Analysis and Principles of Relational Culture Theory - Essay Example

? Relational Cultural Theory s Relational Cultural Theory According to Miller (1976), relational cultural theorists advocate for the extension of the multicultural/social impartiality, counseling competences past the realm of self- alertness, cultural acquaintance, and culturally receptive helping skills. The theory talks about individuation, division, independence as the developers of emotional maturity and psychological fitness. The theory explains that, the growth-fostering interactions are fundamental human requirements. The disconnections of the sources lead to psychological problems in human growth. As Jordan and Hartlings (2001) observed, people develop and grow in a relationship which in inculcated by the cultural framework. The relational cultural theory emphasizes on the need for connection among people to accomplish the required changes and transformation. The theory also understands the interaction connecting the broader collective and cultural context and the aptitude to enhance and sustain development relationship (Jordan and Hartlings, 2001) Fundamental Assumptions of Relational Cultural Theory According to Jordan and Hartlings (2001) Relational Cultural Theory is a hypothesis of growth development and counseling. It was developed from the philosophy perception that, traditional method of counseling and development do not address comprehensively the relational experiences of the underrated members of the society. The theory was brought about to address and bridge the gap of experiences which excised in the traditional models. The theory is based on the following assumptions The theory recognizes and assumes that, disconnection and opportunities transpire on both individual and societal level. As stated by walker (2001), the perceptions of an individual by the society have a vast impact on the manner an entity connects and disconnect with other society affiliates. The theory assumes that, the societal application of grouping, stratifying, and typecasting individuals have a sound impact on people sense of connection and disconnection. The theory further assumes that, people cultivate and develop toward an affiliation all through their life span. Individual must be associated with a relation for comprehensive development. The growth and development relationship can range from mere family relationship to the entire society union (Walker, 2001). The relational cultural theory also assumes that, psychological growth in an individual is determined by individual capability to participate in multifaceted and diversified interface network in the society. Individual who participate in complex social interactions and development have advanced psychological growth. In this case, individual development depends on the level of interaction between the individual and the society members (Walker, 2001). The theory also assumes that, growth –fostering interaction is always enriched by reciprocated empowerment and empathy. Mutual empowerment is a key emphasis in the development of any mature relationship. On the other hand, the theory stands on the assumption that, people grow and develop as a result of their participation in growth development activities. Individual input to the development of growth initiatives in the society fosters their personal development. How does RCT differ for old psychology of both women and men? According to Judith and Jordan (2008), the old psychology was based on self conscious influence to human growth and development. In reference to the old psychology ideologies, both men and women behaviors were influenced and controlled by mind, soul, and spirit concepts. The nature controlled the behavioral characteristics in an individual. The individual growth and development is deeply predisposed by the surroundings and the society individual believes orientation. According to Judith and Jordan (2008), the society did not have a role to play in defining and modifying individuals characteristics. The ideas and perceptions of the old psychologist were very different from the ideas and perception presented by the relational cultural theory. In old psychology, men and women were influenced differently by the prevailing nature. The magnitude of the influence was dependant on the spiritual and cultural beliefs in a society (Judith and Jordan, 2008). In the relational cultural theory, man and women behaviors and characteristics are influenced by the cultural and social perception. Objects in the society are defined and described on the base of their social perception and orientation (Judith and Jordan, 2008). The nature in relational cultural theory plays a very limited role in the growth and development of the society members. The alleviation of male gender above female gender is socially constructed but not influenced by any natural parameter. In reference to the relational cultural theory, human beings are culturally made. The society traits and manner of development among the society members are directly influenced by the society cultural and social aspects. The old psychologist believed on the connection between human beings and their nature (Judith and Jordan, 2008). According to them (old psychologist) natural connections have a direct stake on the way an individual grows and develop. Characteristic of the society members are influenced by the connection between the nature and the society. This is contrary to the perception in the relational cultural theory. According to the relational cultural theory, the interconnections between different aspects in the society determine growth and development of the society members (Judith and Jordan, 2008). What Is Your Critical Assessment of RCT? The theory is reluctant on the differences between different cultures. The theory focuses on the elements of the contemporary society without focusing on other emerging societal set ups. The ideas in relational cultural theory do not specifically address the elements in lesbian and homosexual relationships. Inclusion of the elements of all emerging society is crucial to modernize the theory. The inclusion of the relational perception from a multiple perfectionist is therefore very relevant and essential. On the other hand, the theory does not address the social aspect of human development. It only addresses a single aspect of human development The Connection between the Ideas of RCT and the Values of Social Work There are some connection between the ideas in the relational cultural theories and the philosophies that guide social work practicum. Social work addresses the social and cultural aspect of human development. The same content is discussed in the relational cultural theory. To start with, social workers believe on the significant of their client cultural orientation. In reference to the values that guides social workers operations, victimization or discrimination on the bases the client’s cultural background is unscrupulous. Clients should be served in reference to their cultural beliefs and ideologies (Lena, 2004). On the other hand, social workers believe that, cultural background determines the nature and manners of connection among community members. This idea limes with the ideas in the relational cultural theory. The notion that the cultural knowledge is what determines the nature of connection among the community members is bases of the theory of relational cultural theory (Lena, 2004). According to Lena (2004) in counseling, social workers are guided by an understanding of the client social cultural background. They (social workers) scrutinize the client to comprehend the cause of the prevailing psychological problem. The core rationale of examination is to understand whether there is any form of detachment of the client to the available community resources. Social workers rate social disconnection as the nucleus factor liable for frequent psychological shortcomings among their clients. Disconnection of any temperament has the likelihood of developing psychological problem. With a concrete understanding of the client connections, the intervention of social worker in the client problem is more productive than when the practitioner is empty minded on the issues of the clients connections. The social workers take on the imperative of connection in mental stability of the society members are comparable with the notion of relational cultural theorist. According to relational cultural theorist, disconnections of resources have very severe consequence to an individual mental stability. Community members are disturbed mentally by the limitation of the existing connection (Lena, 2004). Connections between the Underlying Ideas in Relational Cultural Theory and Health as a Human Right Human beings have a basic right to life a health life. In this case, health incorporates the entire parameters of human sphere in the society. A society has a role to play in ensuring good health condition of its members. The apparent connection among society members is the key contributor for coherent and mutual integration. The relational cultural theory ideology has some ideas which limes with the principle of health as a human basic fundamental right. The ideas revolve around all specialty of human existence in the society. The theory has talked extensively and intensively on the most productive procedure of ensuring good mental health of all community members. In reference to the theory, good connection between the society members and the society resources is paramount and pertinent. The correlation plays a very significant role in maintaining the good health of the society. The theory further emphasizes on the psychological important of good relationship in the society. On the other hand, psychiatrist talks about the significant of stable setting for a productive health condition. According to Lena (2004), good connection within the environment components in a society is very essential for effective health status. The respect of the important of a good relationship between the society members and the society environment is shared between the relational cultural theorist and the health sector. The cultural background is very lethal in the examination and diagnosis of any health complication. Cultural background exposes the relationship between the cultural environment and the health status of a society. Health professional stresses on the significant of health relationship between any society members and their cultural environment. The hygienic status of the sanitary system and other important health facets in the society are influenced significantly by the cultural beliefs and settings. The relational cultural theorist on the other hand talks about the culture to the environmental condition of a society. The health conditions of a society is determined, defined and analyzed on cultural bases. How Might Relational Cultural Theory Guide Social Work Practice? According Birrell (2006), social work as a profession addresses the collective issues affecting the entire society. It is a profession that intervenes with the prevailing dysfunction in the society either on individual, group or societal level. The interventions in social work activities are functionalized by an inclusive one on one interaction between the client and the practitioner. The relational cultural theory is very applicable and supreme in the ideologies and operations of social work profession. It can serves as a guideline in social work practicum. The ideologies and discernment created by the relational cultural theory are relative significant in social work practice. As stated by Lena (2004), relational cultural theory ideologies can have tangible role in understanding socio-cultural background of a client. In performing their duties, social workers are more concerned in getting an understanding of the client background. According to social workers values, societies and their culture and social background have a superb role in the functioning of a society. The dysfunction of an individual is believed to be influenced by the social setting. Relational cultural theory in this case will aid the social worker with an understanding of the interconnections available in any social setting. The connection between the societal apparatus is very significant in understanding the shortfalls of the society (Lena, 2004). Birrell (2006) asserts that the relational cultural theory has a consistence role in guiding the intervening social workers in understanding and respecting the client cultural background. Using the contents of the theory, social workers will comprehend all the elements in charge of any detected dysfunction. Appropriate understanding of the client cultural background has a stake in exclusion of any form of prejudgments and victimization. The approach in which an individual react to any situation or scenarios is by large determined and influenced by the cultural background of the player. In reference to the theory, it is ethically erroneous to persecute or blame the client due to cultural orientation. With apt knowledge of the relational cultural theory principles, perceptions and contents, social worker will be properly guided on the best way of handling cultural and social related issues. References Birrell, P., (2006). Betrayal and trauma: Relational models of harm and healing. Journal of trauma practice, 5, 49-63 Jordan, J. and Hartlings, L. (2001). The Development of Relational-Cultural Theory. Retrieved on 2nd April 2012 from : http://www.wellesley.edu/JBMTI/pdf/developingRCT.pdf) Judith, V. and Jordan, J.(2008). Recent development in relational cultural theory. Journals of women and development. Lena, D.(2004). Social work: Theory and practice for changing profession. London. Pilty press. PRINT Miller, J.(1976). Toward a new psychology of women. Boston: Beacon press. PRINT Walker, M. (2001). How therapy helps when the culture hurts. Wellesley, MA: Stone center working paper series. PRINT Read More