Professional Knowledge in the Social Work Field
Professional knowledge in the social work field is established by the consistent interactions between social problems, the established system of doing things within the social work discipline. The practice of social work has an expressive concentration between the individual and the society. Hutchinson & Oltedal (2014) posit that the primary goal of social work is to cause a significant improvement on the part of the client and also to motivate the person's effort. It assists in facilitating ideas, conversations, and activities among families groups and communities intended to spur growth and positive change ethically or socially (Chenoweth & McAuliffe 2017). The practice of Social work is carried out in various domains ranging from working with individuals, families and partnerships, group work and community practice. Because of the complex nature of the human behavior and the broadness of the social work profession, several theories are put in place and later utilized for the practice of social work with their focus directed toward human growth and development and social service delivery and the psychological and social functions of the clients.
Theoretical Frameworks in Social Work
The practice of social work falls under several theoretical frameworks. The theories cover all aspects and variables, both internal and external, influence the human behavior. Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2006) posit that the main reason for the development of the theories is to help the social work practitioners understand the underlying causes as to why people are inclined to act in particular ways. Arguments ought to support the social worker to carry out an adequate evaluation of the strengths and deficits of the clients in their biological psychological and social development (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman 2006).
Conflict Theory and Social Work
All societies tend to perpetuate some form of oppression social injustice and structural inequity. The conflict theory when applied to the practice of social work tries to explain how power structures and power disparities cause a significant impact on peoples’ lives (Hutchinson & Oltedal 2014). While there are systems in place to mitigate the negative aspects of power being unequally divided the Hutchinson & Oltedal (2014 p.142) note that conflicts that arise are better solved through interaction between various groups aiming for what is best for the society. When applied to social order Conflict theory asserts that social change is based on manipulation of and control by some dominant groups. Conflict theory informs policy. An example is a scenario described in the video growing up poor. A system established by the government created claymore a poor suburb. The video highlights the struggles that occur within a society which is termed as having the best economic environment. Social practice intervention in such a scenario listens for the evidence of oppression within individuals and proposes that attention is directed to the roles of conflict that lead to client vulnerability.
Conflict Theory Application and Evaluation
The poor suburb of claymore forms the basis for the evaluation of the conflict theory and the stage in which it occurs. For instance, due to the deprived living conditions, social amenities with the environment are scarce. Issues like lack of enough food and lighting have severely affected the resident s of claymore and much more the young children. A closer evaluation of the video also indicates that the living conditions within the society lead to much of the families becoming dysfunctional and end up breaking up. Conflict theory Informs policy and may Guide macro-level practice Useful in formulating assessments involving oppression, and client vulnerability Enhances understanding of the conflict between persons, ideas, groups, classes, & larger social structures. Conflict theories intend to bring changes to individuals as they are seen to be ‘anti-oppressive practice’ to understand the conflict situation.
Anti-Oppressive Practice in Social Work
Anti-oppressive practice is a form of social work practice which addresses social divisions and structural inequalities in work undertaken with clients. At a psychological level, this will involve strengthening the individual’s self-esteem, skills, and knowledge. At An economic level, it can include a fair distribution overall. It can also be about a more diverse and tolerant culture which challenges prejudices and discrimination. The process involves Developing confidence of own competency in creating and influencing events in one’s own life. This concerns strengthening the individual's belief in themselves, developing the feeling of own personal strength, contributing to power and mastering, as well as developing each's ability to take the initiative and act. To build group consciousness entails developing an understanding of how political structures influence individual and group experiences. Working in groups with equals and developing group-consciousness is seen as essential. Personal responsibility for change becomes a consequence of avoiding shifting all of the blame onto society.
Steps in the Social Work Practice
Social work practice is thought to operate under several necessary steps. All social works stem from the assumption that there is an underlying problem that necessitates the intervention of the social work practitioner. A five-step process explained by Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2006, p.5) starts by pointing that a proper understanding of the problem is therefore required if there is need to achieve any meaningful outcome. With a clear picture of the issue affecting the client, social worker proceeds to develop a specific plan of action that is guided by goals which are carefully and strategically selected and specified. The third step in the practice of social work calls for the actual implementation of the plan which might involve working with various individuals or organizations to accommodate the requirement of the client. The fourth step in the process is to evaluate the client to determine how much of the goals that were specified in step two have been met. Evaluation is critical for the social work progress as it highlights part of the process which worked to the practitioners' expectations and the areas which need to be re-addressed. The fifth step is the termination of the of the social practitioner's intervention.
Radical Social Work and Conflict Theory
Radical social work, with a conflict theory practice, assumes that there exist opposites of interests in society. Problems of individuals and groups relate to their positions of powerlessness. The observation has a direct link to an understanding where one recognizes individuals and groups as caught in situations of helplessness, and passivity as a result of not understanding possibilities for control of their own life. In addition to actually being outcast by society, norms and attitudes are also developed, which are meant to keep the individual down.
References
Chenoweth, L. and McAuliffe, D., 2017. The Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice with Student Resource Access 12 Months. Cengage AU.
Hutchinson, G.S. and Oltedal, S., 2014. Five theories in social work.
Zastrow, C. and Kirst-Ashman, K., 2006. Understanding human behavior and the social environment. Cengage Learning.
Zastrow, C., 2003. The practice of social work: Applications of generalist and advanced content. Wadsworth Publishing Company
Saleebey, D., 2012. The strengths perspective in social work practice. Pearson Higher Ed.
Miley, K.K., O'Melia, M.W. and DuBois, B.L., 2016. Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Pearson.
