Introduction
Conflict theory explains how power structures and power disparities impact people’s lives. The power elite theory and interest group theory uphold the position that power is a component of all social relationships. However, Marxism views power as gained through economic means. Power is the primary focus of these theories; discrepancies arise from the way power is measured. While the term "conflict" has associations with negative encounters, the conflict itself is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. In fact, engaging in conflict can have positive effects. It is, to a large degree, a necessary tool that enhances development and can be regarded as normal and a prerequisite under particular condition
Basic Assumptions …show more content…
Hutchinson and Oltedal (2014 p.154) assert that “in social work, conflict models are being used to understand casual connections at a macro level, as well as conflict of interest and the effects on the individual (at the micro level) of being in positions of powerlessness.” This view shifts the focus from social problems created by the individual to one of those being created by conflicts of interest in society. Conflict theories created changes to individual, group, and community levels in social work and came to be described as “anti-oppression practice” (Dominelli, 1998, p.16). Conflict theory in social work has focused attention on individuals and groups exposed to oppression and adverse valuation. Included in the vulnerable population are ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, immigrants, and women. Understanding their oppression enables social workers to understand how these dynamics impact the individuals’ behaviors and limit their …show more content…
The approach has limited in the sense that this is not an action model that is readily application to the client systems. This focus does not take in account individual needs and focuses on changing the social structure. The final concern related to this perspective that it is idealistic and therefore readily takes a stand on issues. However, even though the social work profession has identified the weakness of this therapeutic approach, it is still a useful method for understanding discrimination and oppression in the vulnerable population groups that we
Conflict theory explains how power structures and power disparities impact people’s lives. The power elite theory and interest group theory uphold the position that power is a component of all social relationships. However, Marxism views power as gained through economic means. Power is the primary focus of these theories; discrepancies arise from the way power is measured. While the term "conflict" has associations with negative encounters, the conflict itself is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. In fact, engaging in conflict can have positive effects. It is, to a large degree, a necessary tool that enhances development and can be regarded as normal and a prerequisite under particular condition
Basic Assumptions …show more content…
Hutchinson and Oltedal (2014 p.154) assert that “in social work, conflict models are being used to understand casual connections at a macro level, as well as conflict of interest and the effects on the individual (at the micro level) of being in positions of powerlessness.” This view shifts the focus from social problems created by the individual to one of those being created by conflicts of interest in society. Conflict theories created changes to individual, group, and community levels in social work and came to be described as “anti-oppression practice” (Dominelli, 1998, p.16). Conflict theory in social work has focused attention on individuals and groups exposed to oppression and adverse valuation. Included in the vulnerable population are ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, immigrants, and women. Understanding their oppression enables social workers to understand how these dynamics impact the individuals’ behaviors and limit their …show more content…
The approach has limited in the sense that this is not an action model that is readily application to the client systems. This focus does not take in account individual needs and focuses on changing the social structure. The final concern related to this perspective that it is idealistic and therefore readily takes a stand on issues. However, even though the social work profession has identified the weakness of this therapeutic approach, it is still a useful method for understanding discrimination and oppression in the vulnerable population groups that we