Theory Introduction
Theories are ideas from which one seeks to understand social work, clients, environment mental factors and how they are interconnected. Theories lay the groundwork to understand human nature, one’s experiences, perceptions, feelings, thinking and behaviors. Theories give practitioners something to build on and allows them to shift perceptions and thinking. Practitioners are able to work objectively through the client’s experiences versus the practitioner’s own understanding.
Systems Theory Description
Main Tenets
Systems theory places substantial focus on the correlations between the systems at work within a person’s life. Dunst and Trivette (2009) state, the provision and or mobilization of supports is accomplished …show more content…
It examines the impact of privilege and oppression/discrimination, as well as social conflicts that persist in society. Rine and Hartringer-Saunders (2012) state, conflict theory focuses on the inequalities and injustices felt by the working class, and that through this lens, individual’s relationships and behaviors are seen as products of social and economic relationships. The authors also go on to discuss conflict theory’s focus on competition and access to resources. Conflict theory acknowledges power differentials and the impact this can have on the individuals who are vulnerable. It also discusses the fact that there are many times where vulnerable populations are unaware of the imbalances and feels it is the responsibility of social workers and others to educate the vulnerable on their positons and help advocate for change.
Strengths
One of the primary strengths of conflict theory is that it acknowledges the role of oppression and seeks to balance the scale through advocacy and resources. It points out the inconsistencies in resources amongst those who have power or resources and those who do not. This theory is also culturally sensitive as encourages cultural competency and truly examines policies and their impacts on those who are underrepresented.
Theory …show more content…
Patients are linked to organizations in their communities and this increases their knowledge of resources. This also increases their support network and provides opportunities for the patient to initiate contact with organizations and gain independence. For example, some patients come in to their appointments and inform the social workers they have a substance abuse issue and would like information on inpatient services. The social worker provides referrals and explains the intake process. The social worker then offers to sit with the patient while they identify a provider who meets their needs. The social worker also encourages the patient to schedule the intake during the appointment and allows the patient to take the reins as they begin their journey to sobriety. Although, the social worker might provide the information, the patient has control over who he/she selects, but the social workers is there as a support and encourager through a difficult
Theories are ideas from which one seeks to understand social work, clients, environment mental factors and how they are interconnected. Theories lay the groundwork to understand human nature, one’s experiences, perceptions, feelings, thinking and behaviors. Theories give practitioners something to build on and allows them to shift perceptions and thinking. Practitioners are able to work objectively through the client’s experiences versus the practitioner’s own understanding.
Systems Theory Description
Main Tenets
Systems theory places substantial focus on the correlations between the systems at work within a person’s life. Dunst and Trivette (2009) state, the provision and or mobilization of supports is accomplished …show more content…
It examines the impact of privilege and oppression/discrimination, as well as social conflicts that persist in society. Rine and Hartringer-Saunders (2012) state, conflict theory focuses on the inequalities and injustices felt by the working class, and that through this lens, individual’s relationships and behaviors are seen as products of social and economic relationships. The authors also go on to discuss conflict theory’s focus on competition and access to resources. Conflict theory acknowledges power differentials and the impact this can have on the individuals who are vulnerable. It also discusses the fact that there are many times where vulnerable populations are unaware of the imbalances and feels it is the responsibility of social workers and others to educate the vulnerable on their positons and help advocate for change.
Strengths
One of the primary strengths of conflict theory is that it acknowledges the role of oppression and seeks to balance the scale through advocacy and resources. It points out the inconsistencies in resources amongst those who have power or resources and those who do not. This theory is also culturally sensitive as encourages cultural competency and truly examines policies and their impacts on those who are underrepresented.
Theory …show more content…
Patients are linked to organizations in their communities and this increases their knowledge of resources. This also increases their support network and provides opportunities for the patient to initiate contact with organizations and gain independence. For example, some patients come in to their appointments and inform the social workers they have a substance abuse issue and would like information on inpatient services. The social worker provides referrals and explains the intake process. The social worker then offers to sit with the patient while they identify a provider who meets their needs. The social worker also encourages the patient to schedule the intake during the appointment and allows the patient to take the reins as they begin their journey to sobriety. Although, the social worker might provide the information, the patient has control over who he/she selects, but the social workers is there as a support and encourager through a difficult