Theories in Social Work v.2

Question 1

Psychodynamic theory values (3) and practice principles (2):

Answer 1

• Behavior is determined by inner forces (instincts and drives).
• Defenses are developed to cope with these drives.
• Tensions can occur between drives, defenses and ego.
• Past influences the present.
• Non-directivesness on part of the social worker + strive for self awareness and growth.

Question 2

Cognitive behavioural theory (2) and practice principles (2):

Answer 2

• Human behaviour is learned.
• New ways of thinking will lead to different responses.
• Cultivate positive behaviours while reducing negative ones.
• Social worker is directive and involve in enabling practice of new behaviours.

Question 3

Humanistic and existential theories values (3) and practice principles (2):

Answer 3

• Human beings have a choice and can act freely/individuals have the capacity to challenge their existential givens.
• Humanistic (seeking best version of self).
• Existential (humans are searching for meaning).
• Non-directive and non-judgemental.
• Focus on well-being.

Question 4

Task centered/crisis intervention theories values (3) and practice principles (1):

Answer 4

• Focus on problem solving within a timeframe.
• Crisis intervention: temporary breakdown in coping mechanisms, timely action will resolve problem.
• Task-centered: use of specific tasks designed for a specific problem at hand.
• Define a problem, plan a way to solve it within a timeframe, and review the process.

Question 5

Strengths perspective values (1) and practice principles (2):

Answer 5

• Focus on problems can be self defeating, while focusing on strengths will empower.
• Service users have a capacity to determine what works best for them.
• Process of identifying client strengths, resources, goals and aspirations.

Question 6

Systems and ecological theories values (3) and practice principles (2):

Answer 6

• People exist within formal/informal/societal systems with open/closed/permeable boundaries.
• Changing one part of a system will effect other parts.
• Systems try to maintain an equilibrium.
• Intervention is needed when there is a breakdown of relationship between people and their environment/systems.
• Assist people in building their own capacities or new networks.

Question 7

Marxist theory values (2) and practice principles (2):

Answer 7

• Problems are social and structural, not individual.
• Privatising problems maintains disadvantage of certain groups.
• Social workers should empower disadvantaged groups.
• Transformation not adaptation.

Question 8

Feminist theories values (2) and practice principles (2):

Answer 8

• Gender identities are socially and politically constructed.
• Critique of patriarchal oppression.
• Linking the personal and political.
• Empowerment.

Question 9

Intersectionality values (1) and practice principles (3):

Answer 9

• Focus on one dimension of oppression is not enough; each dimension of oppression reinforces each other.
• Need for a systematic approach.
• Identification of intersecting positions of oppression.
• Used in ‘anti-oppressive’ social work practice.

Question 10

Postcolonial and anti-racist theories values (2) and practice principles (2):

Answer 10

• Challenges the white western modernity shaping practices and world views.
• Overt, intuitional and structural discrimination.
• Western models of practice inadequate to address experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse people.
• Understanding how colonialism and racism impacts the lives of service users.

Question 11

Social and community development values (3) and practice principles (2):

Answer 11

• Focus on the individual will not result in structural change.
• Increasing capacity of communities to resolve issues without outside intervention.
• Alleviation of structural oppression and disadvantage.
• Collectivist strategies emphasizing on institutional strengthening.
• Focus on self-determination and building resources.

Question 12

Postmodern theory values (2) and practice principles (2):

Answer 12

• Critiques principles of Modernity, which draws on principles of universalism, order, emphasis on rationality, binary logic.
• No such thing as objective reality.
• Prioritising experiences of the service use.
• Recognition of the power hierarchy between social worker and service user.

Question 13

Human rights perspective values (2) and practice principles (2):

Answer 13

• Civil, political, economic, social, cultural rights, collective rights such as environmental
  sustainability.
• Whose voices are privileged in human rights discourse?
• Adopting a rights-based approach and not a needs-based approach.
• Bottom-up approach to human rights practice rather than a top-down approach.

Question 14

Missing theories (2):

Answer 14

• Group work theories (group development, dynamics, cohesion, communication, leadership, etc).
• Organisation theory (management, structure, relationships, change and adaptation).