Social Work Theory & Concepts PDF

Reality - Reality often refers to the actual conditions, circumstances, and experience of individuals and communities. Social workers aim to understand and address the real-life challenges and issues faced by their clients, such as poverty, discrimination, mental health struggles, or family dynamics...

Reality - Reality often refers to the actual conditions, circumstances, and experience of individuals and communities. Social workers aim to understand and address the real-life challenges and issues faced by their clients, such as poverty, discrimination, mental health struggles, or family dynamics. They work to improve the well-being of individuals and promote social justice by addressing the tangible and often complex realities of their clients' lives. Social Reality - Social reality refers to the shared beliefs, customs, norms, and values that shape the way individuals and groups perceive and interact with the world around them. It is a concept that acknowledges that much of what we consider "real" is constructed by society and culture. Social reality includes things like language, money, laws, and social institutions, which have no physical existence but have a significant impact on people's lives. It highlights the id that our perception of reality is influenced by the collective understanding and agreement of a society or community. Social Problems - The term "problem" refers to an individual concern or disturbance. "Problem" becomes an "issue" when it affects two or more individuals. -​ A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. -​ Reab and Zelznick (1961) define social problem as “a problem in human relationship which seriously threatens society or impedes the important aspirations of many people.’’ -​ Mckee and Robertson (1975) state that a social problem exists when a significant number of people or number of significant people, perceived an undesirable difference between social Ideas and social realities, and believe that this difference can be eliminated by collective action. Ex: Problem - Akiko is restless because she lost her job. Issue - There is wide unemployment in Akiko's community causing most of its members to commit suicide. Theories of Social Problem A. Functionalism/Structural Functionalist Theory B. Conflict Theory C. Symbolic Interactionism 1.​ Functionalism (Emile Durkheim) -conceptual framework that views society as a system of interdependent parts carrying out functions crucial to the well-being of the other parts and the system. Example: The economy combines people’s knowledge and talent with technology and resources to produce services and defend society against threats.  Example of function involved in structural functionalist perspective: A. Manifest Function - intended and publicly recognized function. B. Latent Functions - unintended and often hidden or not well understood functions C. Social Pathology - a structural functional perspective that likes society to a living organisms that can be healthy, evolve to a higher state or become ill. D. Social dysfunction - a structural function perspective asserting that harmful conditions may be created by the positive functions of social institutions (Robert Merton) 2.​ Conflict Theory (Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels) -conceptual approach that views society as characterized by inequalities that advantage some groups and disadvantage others, leading to conflict and potential for social change. ​ Bourgeoisie – owners of means production (ruling class) ​ Proletariat – general masses, the one being oppressed and exploited (working class) ​ Economic-conflict perspective – poverty, powers in the hand of the wealth, profit motive ​ Racial/Ethnic- discrimination based on skin color/ethnic heritage. ​ False and True Consciousness False Consciousness - lack of understanding or cause of harmful condition/behavior. ​ True Consciousness - awareness of the existence and real cause of harmful condition/behavior 3.​ Symbolic Interactionism Theory (Herbert Blumer) - a sociological perspective that focuses on the analysis of person-to-person interaction and the actual meanings people give their experience and environments. Example: saluting a nation's flag maybe a sign of patriotism or loyalty whereas burning that exact flag is sign of contempt. In social work, a social situation is a combination of factors that influence a person or group at a given time. These factors can include relationships, culture, and economic factors. Social situations are dynamic and can change based on new experiences. What factors are included in a social situation? ​ Relationships: The social relationships a person has, such as with friends, family, or teachers ​ Culture: The cultural norms and values that influence a person ​ Social roles: The roles a person currently holds, such as a student or family member ​ Physical environment: The place where a person is and with whom ​ Economic factors: A person's work or financial situation Social workers help people in a variety of social situations, including poverty, abuse, addiction, and more. Social work is a profession that aims to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Social situations social workers help with: ​ Poverty: Social workers help people overcome poverty and other financial challenges ​ Abuse: Social workers help protect children and families from abuse, neglect, and violence ​ Addiction: Social workers help people recover from substance use and address addiction ​ Discrimination: Social workers help people overcome discrimination and other forms of systemic barriers ​ Homelessness: Social workers help people find affordable housing and end homelessness ​ Social isolation: Social workers help people who are socially isolated and at risk of premature death, heart disease, and stroke ​ Mental illness: Social workers help people overcome mental illness and other challenges Social conditions in social work are the factors that impact people's well-being and quality of life. These factors can include poverty, homelessness, and access to education. Social workers help people address these conditions and improve their lives. Examples of social conditions ​ Poverty: Lack of financial resources ​ Homelessness: Lack of stable housing ​ Unemployment: Lack of employment ​ Education: Access to quality education ​ Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, or other factors ​ Violence: Exposure to violence, including family violence ​ Social isolation: Lack of connection with others ​ Substance abuse: Use of substances like alcohol or drugs Social workers' role ​ Social workers help people address social conditions through advocacy, counseling, and other services ​ Social workers promote social justice and human rights ​ Social workers work to ensure access to resources and services for all people ​ Social workers help people with disabilities, behavioral health issues, and other challenges TOOLS OF ANALYSIS (SPECSEG FRAMEWORK) The SPECSEG framework is a tool used in social work practice to analyze and understand the various factors affecting individuals, families, and communities. SPECSEG stands for Social, Political, Economic, Cultural, Spiritual, Environmental, and Gender. This framework helps social workers identify the interconnected elements that influence people's lives and well-being. By examining these factors, social workers can develop more effective interventions and strategies to address the needs of their clients. Here's a brief overview of each component of the SPECSEG framework: 1.​ Social: This component examines the social structures, relationships, and networks that impact a person's life. It includes factors such as family dynamics, friendships, social support, and community involvement. 2.​ Political: This aspect looks at the influence of political systems, policies, and legislation on individuals and communities. It considers how government decisions and power dynamics can affect people's access to resources and opportunities. 3.​ Economic: This component focuses on the financial and economic factors that influence people's lives, such as income, employment, poverty, and access to resources and services. 4.​ Cultural: This element explores the impact of cultural beliefs, values, traditions, and practices on individuals and communities. It includes factors such as language, religion, and cultural identity. 5.​ Spiritual: This aspect considers the role of spirituality, faith, and religious beliefs in people's lives and how these factors can provide support, meaning, and guidance. 6.​ Environmental: This component examines the influence of the physical environment, including factors such as housing, neighbourhood conditions, and access to green spaces, on people's well-being and quality of life. 7.​ Gender: This aspect focuses on the impact of gender roles, norms, and expectations on individuals and communities. It considers how gender identity and expression can shape people's experiences and opportunities.