Sociology and Psychology for Social Workers - Essay Example

Sociology and Psychology for Social Workers Question 1 The modern environment offers a unique opportunity to transform the basis of social work towards knowledge-based and evidence-based policies and practices. In order to attain this goal, it is crucial that social workers develop essential knowledge infrastructure to enable the production of valuable practices in social work (Duncan 2005, p. 27). According to the International Federation of Social Workers, the profession of social work is aimed at promoting social change, resolving problems inherent in human relationships and liberating and empowering people in order to enhance their overall well-being. In order for social workers to attain this hefty objective, they need to base their practices on knowledge of social sciences, including psychology and sociology (Beresford 2003, p. 97). Making use of theories of human behaviour, as well as social systems, which are intrinsic to social sciences, social work effectively intervenes at different points where people interact with others and their environments. Theories refer to connected sets of propositions and concepts that are organized into deductive systems that help to define relationships regarding various aspects of the world. Social workers must be knowledgeable of theories of social sciences such as behaviourism and social learning theory, systems theory, psychodynamic theory, psychosocial developmental theory, social exchange theory and transpersonal theory. These theories are relevant to social work because the field of social work is concerned primarily with the principles of social justice and human rights (Butler 2003, p. 26). Consequently, in order to guarantee social justice and human rights, social workers should be able to manage cases by linking clients with pertinent programs that meet their psychosocial needs as identified through the application of different social sciences theories. On the other hand, knowledge of social sciences, especially the aforementioned theories is vital to social work, which entails counselling or psychotherapy. Social science theories facilitate psychotherapy practices, as well as the management of human services. On a larger scale, however, knowledge of the diverse theories facilitates the analysis of social welfare policy and formulation of relevant policies applicable to the community. Professional social workers work in a myriad of settings, including schools, public social service agencies, hospices, hospitals and community health agencies (Sheppard, Newstead, DiCaccavo & Ryan 2000, p. 473). Therefore, a wide array of knowledge regarding influencers of human behaviours, as well as cognitive and behavioural coping mechanisms is important since such knowledge enables social workers identify and deal with human-related issues that emerge in different settings. Social workers also work as mental health practitioners and psychotherapists, often working cooperatively with psychologists, psychiatrists and other medical professionals trained in social sciences. Therefore, a rich knowledge base of social science knowledge facilitates effective coordination between these professionals and social workers (Duncan 2005, p. 26). Collaboration between social workers and other social science professionals is important for the maintenance of social justice and human rights. Additionally, knowledge of social sciences is vital to social workers who have opted to guide the focus of their professional efforts on social policy, as well as academic research. Although the emphasis of social work has varied among diverse task areas, most areas still require the application of social science knowledge. Social workers have an enduring interest in terms of linking knowledge of practice. The tasks of practice and knowledge applied to accomplish diverse tasks are prominent defining features for the social work profession. A robust knowledge base of social sciences is the basis by which social work professionals are able to differentiate themselves from other professionals such as medical professionals. In addition, the knowledge base of social science also serves as the means through which social workers legitimate their activities to the greater culture, society and professional body (Cha, Kuo & Marsh 2006, p. 11). Researchers and theorists concerned with the utilisation of knowledge identify it as possessing both instrumental and conceptual elements. On the part of social workers, an in-depth knowledge base of social sciences enables them confront and deal with issues they confront on a daily basis in practice. This means that social science knowledge provides social workers with information regarding a social problem or information concerning the effectiveness of a certain social work intervention (Butler 2003, p. 23). This means that social science knowledge base is vital to social work because social workers make use of empirical work, as well as theoretical work, to develop and implement strategies that benefit all clients, regardless of their demographic characteristics. Social workers are highly interested in acquiring social science-based knowledge to assist them appreciate social problems and processes, critical populations and services, which are effective to diverse populations. Knowledge of social sciences, therefore, provides social workers with an understanding of professional ethics when dealing with diverse client populations. Newly qualified social workers require an in-depth knowledge of diverse social sciences theories to allow them gain a greater sensitivity to the desires and needs of all service-users. Social science knowledge base is also vital to social work since it pushes social workers to stop taking things at face value, but rather probe beneath the surface to discover the underpinning theories. For instance, rather than consider an individual as the instigator of his or her own actions, social science theories such as symbolic interactionism show that human actions are the product of interactions with other people (Duncan 2005, p. 26). The social constructionist perspective of social sciences shows how dynamic social activities occur among people and how people define their situations. Such theories point out that people are actors on a stage and that they take on roles and interact with the environment. This form of knowledge allows social workers delve deeper into the surface in order to discover the underlying elements and situations that affect people, thus facilitating the discovery of relevant practices applicable to different service-users. On the other hand, social science knowledge base also helps to ensure that practitioners of social work call into question different assumptions and beliefs (Cha, Kuo & Marsh 2006, p. 15). This facilitates the examination of social workers’ thinking behind these assumptions based on evidence-based theories that inform social behaviours and processes. Knowledge of social science ensures that social workers are both open and flexible and become highly committed to a defensible instead of defensive practice. Since the practice of social work is practice-based, social sciences knowledge proves pivotal since it draws significantly from tested theories, which, in turn, inform social work practice. Question 2 While all sources of knowledge are deemed useful, knowledge that emanates directly from social sciences practices and practitioners is considered the most pertinent to social work. A good understanding of social work theories, most of which form the basis of social work assists social workers become more adaptable and flexible in the conduct of their professional responsibilities. A vast majority of the social work theory taught draws from social sciences, including psychology, philosophy and sociology. These theories typically attempt to provide succinct explanations of human relationships, behaviours and social issues. However, these theories are also closely related to the daily practices of social workers (Beresford 2003, p. 164). For instance, social workers placed in a child protection department must constantly relate theories and ideas into practice. This relation is of paramount importance to the professional development of a social worker. Based on this example, child protection social workers have to make professional decisions and judgements regarding needs and risks. All social workers have the explicit responsibility of making decisions that are in the best interest of the patient. Since the social work profession gives social workers entry into people’s private lives, it becomes vital to put into practice diverse social science theories that speak to the maintenance of amiable relations. In addition, social sciences inform social practice by finding theories, which explain the reasons why certain actions result in certain behaviours, then social workers will have an in-depth understanding of the issues that impact the lives of service-users. In addition, social sciences teach on the advantages and limitations of diverse social science theories. This is crucial for social workers since it helps them understand that while certain theories might appear to be appropriate to service-users, this does not necessarily denote the correctness of the theory in terms of creating an understanding of the service-user’s life (Trevithick 2008, p. 1230). Therefore, since social sciences define the appropriate situations in which social theories and concepts can be applied, they assist social workers remain open-minded and continually engage in the process of reflection. The practice of social work is an integral part of the process of building evidence where ideas are either adopted or abandoned on the basis of the changing environment or circumstances, as well as the presence of new information. Since each case handled by social workers is different because each child, adult or institution is different, different social science theories help explain different situations (Trevithick 2008, p. 1233). There is no single theory that can explain everything; therefore, the application of diverse social science theories helps to create an understanding of diverse areas of life. Diverse practices related to social work are linked to social sciences. Social sciences lead to the development of new social work practices. This is achieved by appreciating the role of beliefs, worldviews and values in the perception of social risks, as well as the ability to acclimatize and appreciate the shifting dynamics between groups and individuals in segmented societies. In addition, social sciences facilitate the acknowledgement of the role of interests, power and identities in developing operative responses to social issues and change, as well as many other significant questions regarding social work. These social relationships call for the implementation of social sciences to facilitate the creation of effective practices. In addition, social sciences provide an integrated approach, which effectively brings social work and other practices together to jointly build, fabricate, implement and apply research on social systems and changes (Pawson, Boaz, Grayson, Long & Barnes 2003, p. 111). This produces social work practices, which not only work for society, but also works with society. Informed by such necessities, social workers work on enhancing the role of different stakeholders, within the society, in the co-production of societal change knowledge. They also use social science knowledge to ensure the effective integration of social work and other sciences (Maiden 2001, p. 137). This is achieved through different ways; firstly, through the development of social change research programmes for social sciences such as social work, psychology and sociology. Secondly, such comingling is achieved through the identification of pertinent policy approaches, as well as effective interfaces in social work and other fields. Lastly, integration of social work and other sciences through the design and implementation of effective and highly innovative mechanisms through which global coordination can be achieved in the area of social work. In essence, social sciences create a basis through which social workers can work collaboratively with other professionals in order to attain a healthy social environment. Social work also bases its methodologies primarily on a systematic body of evidence-based knowledge that derives from social sciences research and practice evaluation, especially indigenous and local knowledge that is specific to the context of social work. Social sciences inform social work practice by recognizing the complication inherent in interactions between people and their environment (Marsh 2003, p. 293). The sciences also inform on people’s abilities to both be impacted by and to change the diverse influences upon them such as bio-psychosocial factors. The profession of social work draws significantly on theories of human behaviour and development, as well as social systems in order to assess complicated situations in order to facilitate organisational, individual, cultural and social changed (Maiden 2001, p. 129). These theories derive significantly from social sciences, especially sociology and psychology. The purpose of social work is to assess the inequities, injustices and barriers inherent in society. Social work responds to emergencies and crises while also tackling day-to-day social and personal problems. In order to accomplish these tasks effectively and efficiently, social work makes use of diverse techniques, activities and skills that are consistent with the profession’s holistic concentration on people and their environments (Fook 2002, p. 115). The interventions applied in social work range from involvement of social policy, planning and development and person-based psychosocial processes. These interventions borrow significantly from social science theories and practices that facilitate effective conduct of counselling, group work, family treatment and therapy, social pedagogical work and clinical social work, as well as strategies to assist people acquire resources and services within their communities (Chenoweth & McAuliffe 2005, p. 32). Interventions used by social workers, including community organisation, agency administration and participation in political and social action to influence social policy and economic development, are centred on perspectives highlighted in social sciences. References Beresford, P 2003, It’s our lives: a short theory of knowledge, distance and experience, The Citizen’s Press, London. Butler, I 2003, ‘Doing good research and doing it well: ethical awareness and the production of social work research,’ Social Work Education, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 19-30. Cha, T, Kuo, E & Marsh, JC 2006, ‘Useful knowledge for social work practice,’ Social Work and Society International Online Journal, vol. 4, No. 1. Chenoweth, L & McAuliffe, D 2005, The road to social work and human service practice, Thompson, Victoria. Duncan, S 2005, ‘Changing social scene,’ Horizons (National Statistics), no. 32, pp. 26-27. Fook, J 2002, Social work, critical theory and practice, Sage, London. 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