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Social Work Theory Analysis

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Social Work Theory Analysis
5/3/13

Social Work Theories

Social Work Theories
A social work theory provides an objective analysis of problems experienced by a society and the theoretical basis for various practices that are aimed towards dealing with them. These theories differ in their approach to solving social problems. Read to get a perspective of modern theoretical models, that represent different paradigms of social change. Social work is all about dealing with the various problems that besiege a society, inhibiting our growth as individuals and as a civilization. A society as a system is substantially complex to analyze and social problems arising out of internal interactions are even more so. Social work theories provide a framework within which the source …show more content…
An individual and his behavior affects and is affected by society. Behavioral imitation and feedback from the environment molds habits and ultimately a personality. Social cognitive theory endeavors to break the negative habit cycle, powered by imitation and reinforcement, through the promotion of self mastery. This theory aims at solving social problems through counseling of people at an individual level. It relies on the individual efficacy to power the change that one wants to see in a society. Conflict Theory Conflict theory analyzes the structure of power distribution in a society and seeks to improve social condition of the marginalized sections through group unification, as well as the confrontation of oppressive forces. Every society is split into the haves and have-nots, where one privileged section seeks to concentrate power and resources into its hands while marginalizing others. This theory recognizes all classes in a society to be inherently in conflict due to limited resources. Conflict theory suggests that marginalized sections should unite and struggle, to achieve social equality. It is influenced by socialist theory of Karl Marx and Engels. The theory talks about social reform through shift in the distribution of power. Social Const ruct ivist Theory Social constructivist theory studies how beliefs, value structure and choices of individuals model the behavior of a society and how social dynamics affect individual behavior. Through this study, social workers can devise strategies to bring about positive changes in a society. Every socially accepted norm today, started out as an individual crusade, before being adopted by the society as a whole. This complex interrelationship of individual and society is studied by workers and the analysis is used to make a difference. Feminist Social Work Theory Feminist theories are
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