Enhancing Social Work Management - Research Paper Example

Enhancing Social Work Management Introduction The application of different theories in social work changes the perspective in which an individual has when working toward the application of the work. When looking at the various components of specific theories, it can be seen that there are concepts which add specific strengths to the practice of social work and which support the actions in which one is taking. However, using only one theory also creates limitations in the ability to achieve specific goals and work with varying groups (Beckett, 7: 2006). When understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of diverse types of theories, there is the ability to work toward practical application when moving into social work. Examining various theories can then provide more insight into practicing social work. Psychoanalytic Theories The psychoanalytical tradition in social work theory is one which first began in 1918 under Sigmund Freud. The main component which social workers use with psychoanalytic theories is based on psychodynamic thinking. This leads individuals to respond to given situations in a certain manner. The driving force is based on relationships that develop a cause and reaction sequence. The cause is typically a proponent of defense mechanisms which are created by individuals who have past responses that benefit the individual. The dependence on personal relationships is the second concept, specifically which is associated with an analysis of how one relates to parents, families and other relationships in society. The theories are furthered into four segments, including determinism, instincts, psychosexual stages of development and unconscious mental states. These alter how one associates with others and moves relationships forward in a specific manner (Howe, 61: 2008). The determinism as a main concept is one which is used and practiced by those in social work. The concept of determinism is to associate the complexities with a structural belief that something exists in a specific manner. Often, this leads to the relationships which are abusive and doesn’t provide one with a safe outlet for moving outside of a specific relationship. The usefulness of determinism is one which is essential in recognizing, specifically because it comes from a combination of the ego and subconscious in creating specific actions. If one who is doing social work can find what the patterns are with determinism, then it is easier to find a result that moves one out of this pattern. The main concept is to find a way to break down the main problems that are associated with the abuse which has taken place (Hinshelwood, 79: 2005). While there is the ability to find subconscious patterns with determinism, there are also limitations with this specific psychoanalytical technique. The main limitation is based on the several layers that are a part of human behavior and the way in which individuals respond to a given situation. This may not always be associated with patterns of the subconscious and may come from other complexities. More important, the point which those in social work begin to work with individuals that are in need is in a crisis situation. At this point, determinism doesn’t work in breaking patterns or analyzing the subconscious. Instead, the actions will cause one to be moved out of the situation. If the subconscious or patterns link back to the situation, then there is reversal of the intervention which has taken place (Parrish, 117, 2009). Other aspects of human behavior as well as expectations in the field of social work are needed to create a thorough understanding of what is occurring within a given society. A second psychoanalytical theory that shows the same strengths and weaknesses is instincts. Typically, this occurs over an object or given situation that leads to emotions or irrational behaviors. The advantage of this is that one can trace the behaviors to the individual to understand why and how the instincts have developed as well as what is expected with the responses which have been given. The instincts which one acts upon in terms of behavior are usually linked to other aspects of how one has responded in the past as well as how this has changed their cycle of thinking and perception. The concept of tapping into emotional experiences and patterns while analyzing patterns in which one takes can then provide a stronger understanding of different clients as well as where the complexities are with the current relationships being dealt with (Bower, 4: 2005). The ability to tap into cycles that one has with the psychological changes which are occurring, while understanding how this relates to instincts as emotional responses can then help to break the patterns which one is under, specifically which pertain to types of relationships. The complexity and limitations that is associated with behavioral responses and analyzing the patterns in which one is under is based on the changes which may occur. For the instinctual theory to work effectively there is also the need to understand patterns which are continuous and which occur over a given period of time (Mruick, 57: 2006). However, most that are receiving social help are most likely to have dynamic associations with daily movements and patterns. The concept of analyzing the instinct in which one is acting upon then becomes limited because of the dynamic content as well as the layers of subconscious reactions which one may be acting upon. This is furthered with the several types of mental activities and complexities which may cause specific reactions. The only way that the instinctual theory can work is if patterns are noted over a longer period of time or if there are mental activities and human behaviors that are continuous and cause the same reaction, as opposed to dynamic changes and behaviors which are more likely to occur (Gabbard, 4: 2005). Psychosexual stages of development and subconscious states of mind are also pertinent to the assistance of individuals and the responses in which they have in a given situation. Psychosexual stages state that an individual goes through specific sexual stages, all which are reflective in the subconscious. Subconscious states of mind are also developed, specifically which state that actions and behaviors come from past experiences that accumulate and cause a change in actions and behaviors in the mind. The main association in both of these theories is the concept of object relations, which shows that there is a direct association with the development of how one responds. The advantage of these two theories is the association with psychodynamic theories and therapies, which allow one to examine other parts of the subconscious and how it relates to different stages of development of the subconscious (Deal, 7: 2007). The main limitation that is associated with the subconscious and sexual stage theories are based on the traditional application that is a part of the examination. The value that is used with these is based on responses which are needed within psychotherapy sessions and are used specifically for analysis and diagnosis. The social work theories become more complex then this and don’t have the sufficient responses that are required (Mallucio, 17: 2002). The subconscious analysis and noting specific patterns can’t be used in crisis situations that often pertain to social work. More important, there is not an understanding with clinical practices of other applications, such as allowing clients to become less vulnerable or oppressed. There is also not an understanding interpersonal change, which may vary between cultures, individual experience and associations with values which one has. The limitations are then based on the circumstances of the situation as well as differing viewpoints of what is occurring within a given situation (Walsh, 18: 2010). When approaching practice, the different psychoanalytical theories can be used specifically to understand behaviors, patterns, response systems and relationships to different external components that are a part of each of the theories. As one analyzes the theories related to behaviors, as well as how this relates to the psychological responses of an individual, there is the ability to respond in a specific manner. For instance, if one responds to a specific environment or object, then it may be directly associated with the subconscious, past experiences or recurring patterns of thought (Fraley, 123: 2002). A social worker can then work to intervene with the patterns and behaviors in a manner that helps the individual to break out of the cycles they are experiencing while moving into a different role of human behaviors. While intervention may not apply to psychoanalytical theories, the ability to approach clinical practice and to note patterns that are linked to specific types of development can provide alternative options to assist those in need (Robbins, Chatterjee, Canda, 15: 2009). Another way in which the psychoanalytic theories can be used with practice is based on the ability to use knowledge to respond to specific situations in a different manner. If there are patterns, subconscious reactions and other concepts which are associated with a given situation, then it can be used to intervene in a specific manner. There is the ability to use social work as a practice with the psychological theories as a basis for responding and analyzing in a specific way. For instance, if there is a noticed pattern among a client that comes in for assistance, then the knowledge about different theories can be applied, all which are specific to the given situation (Nugent, 17: 2000). Using the knowledge base of how the subconscious functions can then provide one with different levels of insight into the social work and the way in which one interacts within given situations. While direct methodologies of psychoanalysis may not be used, parts of the knowledge base in terms of patterns, behaviors and responses can help to provide a holistic approach and analysis to different clients (Sheldon, 801: 2001). Humanistic Approaches The second application which is strongly considered in social work is humanistic approaches. The main approach with this is to base different intervention and clinical system practices on morality, virtue, value and ethics that are needed for those that are asking for assistance. This perspective is one which is often associated with concepts such as charity, secular humanism and religious approaches to providing a sense of humanity to others that are in need (Gendlin, 447: 1992). Those who use humanistic approaches in helping those that are in need of social assistance often have a specific perspective and approach, as well as expectations with behavioral outcomes that may occur among those that are in need of assistance. The practice of intervention and care then becomes based on a combination of showing a sense of morality while assisting those that are in need (Johnsen, 385: 2005). The humanist approach which can be used in social work is one which is able to provide an alternative to those who are in need and which have the same beliefs and virtue associated with the assistance which is received. There are many that will use concepts such as a spiritual and moral basis for the help. The intervention which occurs will then create an assessment of how one can grow in their own virtue. This follows with planning and intervention which is easily accessible because of the shared values that are associated with the humanitarian act (Schneider14: 2008). In this way, one who is doing social work has the capability of reaching an individual at a different level, specifically which they can identify with and respond to. More important, those that are structuring the social work have a different application and understanding of how to assist others that is not available in scientific approaches, specifically which is based on the virtue one has toward the assistance. Integrating these into interventions and counseling processes can then assist and change the way in which individuals approach the main basis for development (Hodge, 7: 2005). The concept of having a humanistic approach to social work is one which many regard when building their own practice and working in a specific manner. However, there are also limitations and paradoxes that are associated with this. If the humanitarian gestures and efforts are the primary consideration, such as creating benefits in return for the assistance given, then it can lead to complexities among those who need assistance. There are many that will use humanism as a main approach, than begin to claim the virtue and morality that is a part of the social work (Hansen, 21: 2000). For many, this becomes associated with cultural and lifestyle conflicts and also leads to processes which many consider to be imperialistic in nature. If the humanitarian acts have a specific message which is required to take in turn for the culture and lifestyle, then the response is one which is negative. Those that are in need of social assistance may build misunderstandings toward the humanitarian approach and will begin to develop into the same life cycles which were implemented before. This leads to a paradox that is a part of the assistance where those that are in need resist the help because of the connotations which apply (Gray, 231: 2005). Another review which shows the limitations of the humanitarian approach comes with the distinction made between the definitions of counseling and social work intervention. Most consider this a profession in which one needs to work into, specifically because of the duties which are associated with this and the way in which one is required to interact with others. The humanitarian approach is one which is not traditionally mixed with the professional aspects of counseling and social work. If the counseling is within a certain arena, such as high schools, then there is a prohibition of assisting with the concept of humanitarian approaches and the ideology of helping another while they are working through difficult situations (Foster, 1, 2002). Values and morality are further considered inappropriate, specifically because of cultural gaps, misunderstandings and ideas of imperialism which may begin to reverse the social work which is completed. The negative implications at a humanitarian level then cause friction against the traditional and professional requirements which are associated with counseling. This can either hinder the process of help or can hinder the individual who is in need of social assistance (Lambie, Williamson, 124: 2004). Even though there are restrictions with the humanitarian theories that are incorporated into practice, there are also different applications that can be used in the field of social work. The main application is to understand how many may associate with values, morality and different cultural beliefs. These can easily assist a client to change their patterns and to recognize a different aspect which is pertinent to their healing (Bennett, 97: 2008). The humanistic idea which can be associated with this is to trigger the different beliefs specifically with the behaviors in which one is acting upon as well as how this associates with the nature of the mind. More than other types of actions, the ability to move into levels of healing based on the ability to get clients to recognize their own virtue and beliefs is one which can begin to change the patterns that are being developed and which cause the need for intervention and social work (Payne, 127: 2005). Feminist Theories Another set of concepts which apply to the social work which is used as well as the specific responses is based on feminist theories and the application to gender identity and roles within a given situation. The most current concept which applies to feminist theories is neo – liberalism, which focuses on the ability to liberate and empower the individual while recognizing the differences in gender identity, despite the gestures of equality which have been taken at a political level (Gitterman, 52: 2001). This concept is applicable to social work specifically because it is able to provide insight into how different genders are trained to respond within society and from a given situation. Victim – blaming, social movement, empowerment and pathologising are the four levels of analysis which are used in this specific theory. It is expected that when one can apply this to social work such as domestic violence, then it is able to create a deeper understanding of how and why one is responding in a specific manner (McDonald,, 275: 2005). Another feminist perspective which is used in association with gender identity is based on power structures and expected roles within a given society. The concept of critical consciousness is one which applies to the power structures, specifically because one is able to build an understanding of the oppressive power structure in which one is under as well as how this affects relationships with others. When there is an oppressive experience, there is the ability to analyze how this relates to identity, specifically with gender, as well as how the power dynamics link to social structure. This specific analysis is used for intervention in gender and to provide a different sense of social work in the relationships that are calling for assistance and intervention (Sakamoto, Pitner, 435: 2005). The main perspective which becomes beneficial in the defining of feminist theories is based on the ability to find why and how an individual is oppressed and to remove the limitations in which they feel. The identity in which one creates, as well as the understanding of power structures and social limitations provides an alternative perspective into the role of women and men as well as how this may lead to complexities in relationships. The intervention as well as the understanding of the dynamics that may lead to intervention and clinical assistance can then be used to challenge the given situation and to work as a knowledge base for the possible complexities which are occurring in a given situation. The use of feminism from the standpoint of finding relationship complexities through power struggles can then assist with immediate interventions in the field of work (Amos, Parmar, 44: 2005). Another advantage of the feminist viewpoints that are applied to social work is based on the capability of applying social and cultural applications to a given circumstance. It can be noted that the individual responses which one is faced with is directly attributed to the reflections of the external environment. For instance, if a male is taught a specific power structure while growing up, then the implementation of the same power structure with the identity of a male will be repeated within the next generation. Women have the same responses, specifically with social associations of victimization and being weaker in terms of the power structure (Robert, 17, 2006). These feminist theories and associations with the sociocultural structure can then alter the way in which one responds to a given situation as well as what may happen in a given circumstance. Understanding relationships to the external environment and how this may reflect when intervening in a given situation can then create a more developed response to a given situation (Simpson, Williams, Segall, 3: 2007). While there are specific applications to the sociocultural structure and the use of feminist theories, there are also different complexities which may complicate the social work and interventions. Many who are aware of the social and cultural structures will use the politics of feminism and the theories which apply to create a cycle which is illusionary and untrue (Gibson, 1: 2001). More important, many who are working with social work theories will use this as a simplistic way of examining a problem and reaching a conclusion, specifically because of the social stigmas which are surrounding the given situation. The complexity that arises is one that is based on the inability to question the true nature and identity of a given situation while working past the concepts of feminism and the external environment to intervene with the individual who is in need of assistance (Fook, 136: 2002). When applying feminist theory into practice, there is the need to create different associations with the understanding of social stigmas and cultural differences. At the same time, it is essential to not make this the central issue in which many are facing when coming in for intervention and assistance with social work. The need to accommodate to specialized needs while not allowing this to get into the heart of the problems is essential to ensuring that the main problems are solved (Aldgate, 127: 2007). The practice which needs to be used is one which is required to balance the main theories of feminism while associating with individualized needs and internal perspectives, as well as potential influences from the external environment. This is essential not only in terms of having a multi-faceted viewpoint of the situation, but also applies to the levels of professionalism which are required in a given arena. The conceptions of ethics, professionalism and communicating a message which assists the individual in need are more important than the feminist ideologies which may not provide the correct solutions in social work. Using the knowledge of feminist theories, combined with an understanding of individual needs can then provide a more thorough analysis of the needs of a specific individual (Fawcett, 97: 2000). Conclusion The social work perspectives are inclusive of psychological, humanist and feminist theories, all which pertain to the ability to assist those within this field. Each of the theories has applicable principles which can be used within the field of social work. They also contain several weaknesses that aren’t applicable to given situations, social work or the needed interventions. Using the different theories for knowledge and analyzing a given situation with all of the theories can create a holistic approach and perspective toward the theories. This can be combined with a practice which integrates psychological concepts, belief systems which may be applicable to a situation and an analysis of the external environment which one is in. The different types of intervention can then combine with applicable theories for the necessary intervention. References Aldgate J., Healy L., Malcolm B. et al (eds) 2007. Enhancing Social Work Management: Theory and Best Practice from the UK and USA. London: Jessica Kingsley. Amos, Valerie, Pratibha Parmar. 2005. “Challenging Imperial Feminism.” Feminist Review (80) 44-63. Beckett C. 2006. Essential Theory for Social Work Practice. London: Sage. Bennett, S. 2008. Attachment-informed supervision for social work field education. Clinical Social Work Journal, 36, 97-107. Bower, Marion. 2005. Psychoanalytic Theory for Social Work Practice: Thinking Under Fire. New York: Routledge. Bowlby, J. 1988. A secure base. New York: Basic Books. Deal, Kathleen Holtz. 2007. “Psychodynamic Theory.” Advances in Social Work 8 (1). Fawcett, Barbara. 2000. Practice and Research in Social Work: Postmodern Feminist Perspectives. UK: Routledge. Foster, J. 2002. Attachment behavior and psychotherapy supervision. Dissertation Abstracts International: A, 64 (02). (UMI No. 3082649) Fraley, C. 2002. Attachment stability from infancy to adulthood: A meta-analysis and dynamic modeling of developmental mechanisms. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 6, 123-151. Fraley, C. 2002. Attachment stability from infancy to adulthood: A meta-analysis and dynamic modeling of developmental mechanisms. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 6, 123-151 Fook J. 2002. Social Work: Critical Theory and Practice. London: Sage. Gabbard, Glen. 2005. Psychodynamic Psychiatry in Clinical Practice. Virginia: American Psychiatric Publishing. Gendlin, E., 1992. Celebrations and Problems of Humanistic Psychology. The Humanistic Psychologist, Vol 20. Nos. 2 and 3, pp. 447-460. Gibson, M., 2001. Gender and Agency: Reconfiguring the Subject in Feminist and Social Theory. Journal of Sociology, Vol. 37, p. 1+. Gitterman, A., 2001. Handbook of Social Work Practice with Vulnerable and Resilient Populations. Columbia University Press. Gray, Mel. 2005. ‘Dilemmas of International Social Work: Paradoxical Processes in Indigenisation, Universalism and Imperialism.” International Journal of Social Welfare 14 (3) 231-238. Hansen, J. T. 2000. Psychoanalysis and humanisim: A review and critical examination of integrationist efforts with some proposed resolutions. Journal of Counseling & Development, 78, 21-28. Hinshelwood, R.D. 2005. “Emerging from Determinism.” Philosophy, Psychiatry, and Psychology 12 (1) 1071-6076. Hodge, David. 2005. “Spiritual Life Maps: A Client – Centered Pictorial Instrument for Spiritual Assessment, Planning, and Intervention.” Social Work (50). Howe D. 2008. An Introduction to Social Work Theories. Abington, Oxon: Ashgate. Parrish, M. 2009. Social Work Perspectives on Human Behavior. New York: Open University Press. Johnsen, Cloke. 2005. “Exploring Ethos? Discourses of ‘Charity’ in the Provision of Emergency Services for Homeless People.” Environment and Planning 37 (3) 385-402. Lambie, Glenn, Laurie Williamson. 2004. “The Challenge to Change from Guidance Counseling to Professional School Counseling: a Historical Proposition.” ASCA 8 (2) 124 – 130. Mallucio, A., et al 2002.Social Work Practice with Families and Children. Columbia University Press. Mruik, C., 2006. Self-Esteem Research, Theory, and Practice: Toward a Positive Psychology of Self-Esteem. Springer. McDonald, John. 2005. “Neo – Liberalism and the Pathologising of Public Issues: the Displacement of Feminist Service Models in Domestic Violence Support Services.” Australian Social Work 58 (3), 275-284. Nugent, F. A. 2000. Introduction to the profession of counseling (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Payne, Malcolm. 2005. Modern Social Work Theory. New York: Palgrave Macmillian. Riggs, S., & Bretz, K. 2006. Attachment processes in the supervisory relationship: An exploratory investigation. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37, 558-566. Roberts, A. et al., 2006. Foundations of Evidence-Based Social Work Practice. Oxford University Press. Robins, Susan, Pranab Chatterjee, Edward Canda. (2009). Contemporary Human Behavior Theory. France: Lavosier. Sakamoto, Izumi, Ronald Pitner. 2005. “Use of Critical Consciousness in Anti – Oppressive Social Work Practice: Disentangling Power Dynamics at Personal and Structural Levels.” British Journal of Social Work 35 (4) 435 – 452. Schneider, K., 2008. Rediscovering Awe: a New Front in Humanistic Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Society. Canadian Journal of Counselling, Vol. 42. Sheldon, Brian. 2001. “The Validity of Evidence – Based Practice in Social Work: A Reply to Stephen Webb.” British Journal of Social Work 31 (5), 801-809. Sheppard, M., Kingsley, J., 2004. Appraising and Using Social Research in the Human Services: An Introduction for Social Work and Health Professionals. Simpson, Golnar, Jay Williams, Anne Segall. (2007). “Social Work Education and Clinical Learning.” Clinical Social Work Journal 35 (1) 3-14. Thyer, B., 2002. Developing Discipline-Specific Knowledge for Social Work: Is It Possible? Journal of Social Work Education. 38. (1), 101+. Walsh, Joseph. 2010. Theories for Direct Social Work Practice. New York: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Watson, F. et al., 2002. Integrating Theory and Practice in Social Work Education. White, V., & Queener, J. 2003. Supervisor and supervisee attachments and social provisions related to the supervisory working alliance. Counselor Education & Supervision, 42, 203-218.   Read More