Social Work Theory

1. Social Work Theory

2. Outline • Overview of Relevant Social Work Theory • Ecosystems perspective • Human systems theory • Strengths perspective • Empowerment 2. How to use these theories to engage in empowering practice

3. Ecosystems Balance or equilibrium between living beings with their environment (adaptation) *Introduction of new elements throws off this balance

4. Ecosystems Perspective • Person in environment (physical, social, etc.) • Behaviors are adaptations to the environment • No such thing as “dysfunction”; all behavior can be understood in context *Introduction of new elements throws off this balance

5. Ecosystems Perspective • Haitian example of adaptation (person with physical disability?) Fiona – skip this slide

6. Human Systems KOMINOTE FANMI SOSYETE

7. Individuals as “systems” Religious beliefs Biology Culture Social environment Psychology

8. Systems theory • All social systems are part of a larger system while composed of smaller systems • Systems interact with one another at different levels

9. Assumptions about human systems • All behavior makes sense in context • All behavior is motivated • Challenges emerge between people and their physical and social environments (rather than within the client)

10. Assumptions about change • A small change in one part of the ecosystem may initiate a chain of beneficial changes • Challenges are likely to have many solutions • You don’t have to solve a problem to find a solution • People have strengths and the potential for growth • Lasting change builds on strengths • Given resources and opportunities, people cultivate competencies • Collaborative relationships stimulate feelings of power and lead to actions

11. Ecosystems approach KEY STEPS: • Identify the focal system • What’s happening inside the system? • What’s happening outside the system? • How do the inside and outside connect? • How does the system move through time? (illustrate with an example)

12. Strengths Perspective • All individuals have mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual abilities • Identifying and enhancing existing strengths helps empower families, promoting their competence and self-sufficiency. • Three conceptual transitions: problems  challenges pathology  strengths past  future • Strengths are diverse including personal feelings of worth, cultural pride, successful relationships etc.

13. Key Concepts Personal Empowerment: feelings of competency and a sense of control Competence: When one’s abilities, skills, and resources match the demands of the environment

14. Charity vs. Empowerment Charity: • Decisions made by givers of charity • Clients are passive recipients of aid • Outcome: Fosters dependence Empowerment: • Decisions are shared by clients • Clients are given the resources and support to play an active role in helping themselves • Promotes competence, self-reliance, and autonomy • Outcome: Fosters independence

15. How do we establish relationships that foster empowerment? • Recognize clients as experts • Recognize that clients have strengths and potential • Recognize social worker’s role as enabler and agent of change, not as provider of charity • Emphasize mutual participation and responsibility (working with not for clients) • Encourage client participation in decision making • Ensure that responses match client’s stated goals

16. Avoid blaming the victim • Victim blaming:When people unjustly blame those who experience the effects of social problems, rather than recognizing that these difficulties result from oppression, discrimination, and injustice • People who experience blame, shame and stigma often assimilate this negativity into their self-image

17. Phases of Empowering Practice: 1: Forming partnerships • Establishing relationships, practicing empathy, reflective listening 2: Assessment • Identifying challenges, examining context, recognizing clients’ strengths, assessing resource capabilities 3: Planning and Implementing interventions • Identifying short and long term goals, addressing obstacles, contracting with client, activating resources, strengthening alliances, expanding opportunities 4: Evaluation and follow-up • Recognizing successes, modifying interventions as needed