Introduction
There are two theories in which this essay will investigate, reflect as well as discuss its relevance and limitations. The first theory is the life course perspective and the other is the strengths perceptive. Both of these theories will be analyzed and critiqued throughout the paper. This essay will be divided into subsections that will cover what the theory is, each theories strengths and limitations, the relevance and importance of each theory in relation to social work, how these theories overlap and lastly, its relevance through empirical research.
Theories
Life course perspective was developed in the 1960’s and primarily focused on analyzing the lives of people through social, structural and cultural contexts (Hutchinson, …show more content…
One limitation of the life course perspective is the significant focus on the individual rather than spending equal time and emphasis on macro influence on the life course. Broader systems such as: communities, cultural influence, policies, educational systems and societal norms play a significant role and influence on a person’s experiences (Hutchinson, 2013). One of the more significant downsides of life course perspective is the lack of diversity in its research. The primary method of its concepts root from longitudinal research which was typically based on white, heterosexual males until recently where there has been a shift in including various socio-economic statuses and various races and …show more content…
This multifaceted approach is beneficial in understanding the complexing and influence on a person’s life experiences and situation. When identifying the benefits of strengths perspective, this concept has the ability to be utilized in micro, mezzo and macro settings which allows social workers the flexibility to use through various levels of the society. On a micro level, an individual that identifies their strengths might use it to help overcome a stressful situation that in turn makes them stronger and empowered. On a mezzo level, a family might identify a strength within their nuclear family such as ability to speak up when they are upset. This strength can be utilized to help talk though a family issue or problem. An example of how strengths perspective might be used in a macro setting might be, when an organization has a strong research unit that identifies barriers within the community. The strength is their research capability which could be utilized to help promote policy or create community
There are two theories in which this essay will investigate, reflect as well as discuss its relevance and limitations. The first theory is the life course perspective and the other is the strengths perceptive. Both of these theories will be analyzed and critiqued throughout the paper. This essay will be divided into subsections that will cover what the theory is, each theories strengths and limitations, the relevance and importance of each theory in relation to social work, how these theories overlap and lastly, its relevance through empirical research.
Theories
Life course perspective was developed in the 1960’s and primarily focused on analyzing the lives of people through social, structural and cultural contexts (Hutchinson, …show more content…
One limitation of the life course perspective is the significant focus on the individual rather than spending equal time and emphasis on macro influence on the life course. Broader systems such as: communities, cultural influence, policies, educational systems and societal norms play a significant role and influence on a person’s experiences (Hutchinson, 2013). One of the more significant downsides of life course perspective is the lack of diversity in its research. The primary method of its concepts root from longitudinal research which was typically based on white, heterosexual males until recently where there has been a shift in including various socio-economic statuses and various races and …show more content…
This multifaceted approach is beneficial in understanding the complexing and influence on a person’s life experiences and situation. When identifying the benefits of strengths perspective, this concept has the ability to be utilized in micro, mezzo and macro settings which allows social workers the flexibility to use through various levels of the society. On a micro level, an individual that identifies their strengths might use it to help overcome a stressful situation that in turn makes them stronger and empowered. On a mezzo level, a family might identify a strength within their nuclear family such as ability to speak up when they are upset. This strength can be utilized to help talk though a family issue or problem. An example of how strengths perspective might be used in a macro setting might be, when an organization has a strong research unit that identifies barriers within the community. The strength is their research capability which could be utilized to help promote policy or create community