Strength And Weakness Of Social Work Theory

Macro social work promotes human development and social justice through work with communities and organizations. It comprises of a wide variety of knowledge and skills that enables workers to lead and contribute to highly performing public and private sector organizations that focuses on the critical social issues with diverse population. As such “diverse population is a variety of people which include several characteristic against what one may deem as the norm or majority.” Macro social work is centered on investigation of larger scales to social problems and for the development and implementation of social interventions that aim at effecting positive change at the community, state, and national levels (Birkenmaier and Berg-Weger 2007).

I considering myself a strength focus (strengths-bases approach), because the person or an organization is presented with a problem that need to be solve. Therefore, for strengths-based approaches or strengths-based approaches is the best method since it concentrates on the inherent strengths of individuals, families, groups, and organizations, deploying personal strengths to aid recovery and empowerment. To focus on health and well-being is to embrace an asset-based approach where the goal is to promote the positive (Toner, 2016).

Social work has evolved with different “theories in social work”; either concepts derived from other social sciences such as psychology or sociology or “theories for social work” which are the core philosophy of social work practice specified to give a professional purpose and approach to practice (Healy, 2014).

According to Jacqueline Corcoran (2011), people were basically viewed in terms of their pathologies, weaknesses, limitations, and problems. However, in strengths-based models, in contrast, the helper, in collaboration with the client system, identifies and amplifies existing client system capacities to resolve problems and improve quality of life. Strengths-based approaches can be viewed as respectful toward and empowering of the oppressed and vulnerable people to which the field of social work traditionally has been committed (Corcoran,

Society is fooled into believing in the applied connection among people. Benedict Anderson’s idea of imagined communities emphasizes that, “… the members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members, meet them, or even hear of them, yet in the minds of each lives the image of their communion” (5). Members of neighborhoods, cities, states, or countries feel a sense of unity with other members for living in the same place or maybe having the same basic values, but true unity comes from understanding the similarities among each other, considering the impact a person can have on another, and caring about lives. Recognizing the importance of lives being socially intertwined is necessary to sustain a considerate society.

The similarities and differences that exist between you and your work community may have an impact on your work. Everyone around you will have similarities and differences, there is a reason we are all individual people, we are all different and have something different to offer. Culture plays an important part in shaping a person’s behaviour. Cultural values and beliefs provide a framework for people to make assumptions about and respond to their situations and or circumstances. Culture also strongly influences perceptions and expectations.

In order for the social worker to be an effective practitioner, man must have a sound theoretical basis and this is not easy to achieve.

Fellowship, neighbors, and solidarity are just a few of the words that come to mind when thinking about community. Communities thrive on togetherness and support, and the best way to ensure the flourishing of these concepts is to get involved within the neighborhoods, towns, or communities that we live in. In his writing, “Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital”, Robert Putnam discusses the connection between social capital and community engagement. Putnam defines social capital as, “…features of social organization such as networks, norms, and social trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefits” (Putnam 182). He addresses the idea that community engagement is vital in increasing

Prior to starting this course the MA Social Work course and the PPSWP module I felt very confident in the aspects of communicating effectively and working with a diverse range of people, and after the reading the professional capabilities framework I believe that I hold the same personal values which is expected of a social worker. The PCF6 talks about the importance of critical reflection and reflective practice explaining that it helps improve accountability, professional development and helps to you understand your own tacit knowledge and gain new knowledge, which improves outcomes and experiences for social workers. (Capabilities within the PCF, 2016)

This is difficult process and should be coupled with use of theoretical approaches. Adams et al (2008) advocates that social workers need to use an eclectic approach to their practice by selecting different elements from theories in order to produce one approach appropriate for the individual’s needs. Epstein (1992) suggests that to overcome the limitations of theories continuous reflection and debate is vital to incorporate complex

Social work practice has been altered, revised, and rewritten as society begins to acknowledge the acceptable oppressions and attempts to change the current circumstances. Every situation, when working with a service user, is different. Therefore, a plethora of theories, practices, and perspectives must be considered. There is not a definitive way to practice social work; multiple theories are considered per case to best accommodate the service user in the least distressing and oppressive way possible. A practice that has recently become popular in social work is anti-oppressive practice. This essay will examine the philosophies and ideas of anti-oppressive practice, how it is used in response to working with families, and describe a personal

2. A catalytic event: awareness may be catalyzed by a specific event (e.g., the death of an adolescent due to an unsafe abortion) or by an accumulation of ASRH-related observations, such as a rise in school dropouts due to pregnancy. External catalysts such as ASRH programs can often build awareness of ASRH issues, facilitate community dialogue and collective action, and build the capacity of local organisations and individuals to play catalytic and support roles, but can lead to controversy as some may perceive them as negative or foreign to community norms and values.

Something that I consider to be both a strength and a weakness in my social work career is my gentle and reassuring manner. On the surface, this may seem like an excellent trait to have. I am very much a “people person” and others are naturally drawn to me. I tend to look at situations in a positive light as much as possible and have become an expert in removing tension between family members or dealing with end-of-life concerns. The majority of the residents value this quality in me and seek me out when a difficult decision needs to be made. However, my demeanor may be a disadvantage if I were to be working with another population or in a different setting. For example, I do not think be successful in jobs at prisons or alternative schools because I may have to be more serious and assertive with my clients.

1. What is the nature of community? How do you define neighborhood? What are the differences between community and neighborhood?

Strengths. Upon reviewing past reflections and feedback from tutors and peers, my strengths include “effective communication with all appropriate parties.” I am reflective and therefore identify areas of strengths and limitations and areas that need improvement; I also seek out constructive feedback regarding my practice (A. Ilic, personal communication, DATE)