Understanding Theories of Human Behavior
and the Social Environment and Utilizing them
for Generalist Social Work Practice
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
SSS 571
September 13, 2010
Christine Anlauf Sabatino, Ph D, LICSW, C-SSW
Associate Professor
Director, Center for the Advancement of Children, Youth, and Families
National Catholic School of Social Service
The Catholic University of America
Sabatino@cua.edu
202.319.5461
There is nothing so practical
as a good theory
Kurt Lewin
There is no theory
that is not beset with problems
Karl Popper
Introduction:
Your Goals
• What questions and concerns do you
have about learning theory and how
to apply it to social work practice?
• What would you like to take away
from this lecture?
Historical and Philosophical Context:
How Do We Know What We Know
Ideology: There is one truth that is derived from a
particular viewpoint, such as Church Doctrine,
and efforts are made to facilitate transformation
of knowledge to fit the ideology.
Positivism & Post Positivism: There is one truth
that is derived from science through reason and
logic. Knowledge exits ‘out there’ separate from
ourselves and is driven by immutable natural
laws and mechanisms. P and PP aims to predict
and control natural phenomena.
Historical and Philosophical Context:
How Do We Know What We Know
Social Constructivism: There are many truths
derived from multiple social interactions. The aim
is to develop consensus on a subject through
dialogue.
Personal Experience: Truth is dependent for its
form and content by the person who holds it. It is
local and specific to the individual and his/her
narrative stories. It aims to help the person
understand the self and the world.
Why Study Theories of Human
Behavior?
– Organizes information
– Explains typical development and change in
people, groups, organizations, communities,
cultures, and societies
– Explains atypical development and change in
people, groups, organizations, communities,
cultures, and societies
– Guides change processes and interventions
– Shapes the way we view our client systems
Macro-Mezzo-Micro Theoretical Continuum:
Levels of Abstraction
Macro Theories are highly abstract and general;
explain functioning of societies, communities,
organizations, and cultures
Mezzo Theories are less abstract, more testable;
explain interaction between people, families,
and small groups
Micro Theories are more concrete and specific,
more testable; explain functioning of individuals
Temptations
Rejecting theory: every action involves a decision
and professionals are required to identify and
discuss the rationale for choices made
Theoretical Dogmatisms: one theory does not fit all
situations and is inconsistent with a professional
stance that considers multiple transactions
between the person and the environment
Undisciplined Eclecticism: Unrelated set of
concepts that do not fit together and does not
create a logical and coherent approach to
addressing the client system needs
Best Approach to Learning Theory
Use a critically reflective approach when learning
theories that uses standards and criteria that
help one objectively evaluate the strengths and
weaknesses of a theory
Both required texts have a template to use
Definition of Theory
–
A set of abstractions derived from empirical
observation that becomes subject to
verification through the testing of predictions
(called hypotheses) (the inductive process)
–
A logically interrelated set of concepts and
propositions, organized into a deductive
system, which explains relationships
between aspects of the world (the deductive
process)
Purpose of Theory
–
To explain behavior and events
–
To guide change activities
Two types of change –
normative &
directed interventions
Robbins, Chatterjee, and Canda
Framework for Leaning Theory
An overview of the theory
Historical context
Key concepts
Discussion of the main theory and variant forms
Contemporary issues
Application fot social work
Critical analysis
Summary
Perspective
Perspective a specific point of view or a specific emphasis
(afro-centrism, feminism, strengths)
Perspectives are at an earlier stage of development
or at a higher level of abstraction than a theory.
Paradigm
Paradigm –
a philosophical way of seeing the world
a world view for knowledge building that has an
explicit ontology (what is truth),
epistemology (what is the relationship between
the investigator and subject matter), and
methodology (how the investigator go about
discovering knowledge – data collection)
Contrasting examples are positivism and social
constructivism
Model
Model –
a visual representation of the relationship between
concepts in graphic, tabular, or other pictorial
form
Sometimes identified as a
“logic model” (See Figure 13.1)
Ideology
A set of prescriptions (“thou shalt” and “thou shalt
not”) based on beliefs and world views
Theories have implicit ideologies
There is no such thing as value-free social science
Critical Analysis of Theory
Social Construction of Theories
Theories are a product of the author, who exists
within a specific social, cultural, and historical
context.
Therefore, theories are social constructions
with underlying principles that contain implicit
values and assumptions
Critical Analysis of Theory
Social Construction of Theories
Theories are often extensions of the theorists
themselves
Theories reflect the authors’ biases associated with
gender, class, culture, race, religion, sexual
orientation, and ability level
Ramifications of Ideology on
Generalist Social Work Practice
Defines the professional social work helping
relationship
•
Parameters of the relationship
•
Its legitimacy
•
The role of the worker
•
The status and functions of the client
(See Tables 1.1 and 1.2 for powerful examples)
Problems Arising From the Interaction of Theory,
Ideology, and Practice
Determinism: one phenomenon is caused (determined)
SOLELY by another phenomenon such as biology,
culture, or economy.
Questions are framed as:
Nature versus nurture
Biology (biogenetics and psychology) versus
environment (social, cultural, or economic)
Problems Arising from the Interaction of Theory,
Ideology and Practice
Reductionism: Certain phenomenon are explained only
by one specific discipline such as sociology,
psychology, or economics.
Complex situations are reduced to simplistic
explanations.
Problems Arising from the Interaction of Theory,
Ideology and Practice
Note that Determinism and Reductionism may overlap
Critically Reflective Analysis Framework:
Congruence with Professional Social Work
How consistent is the theory with
•
•
•
•
•
•
the mission, values, and ethics of the
professional
the person-in-environment perspective
the strengths perspective
the definition and nature of well-being,
including protective factors and resiliency
the impact of social, cultural, and economic
forces
the differential needs of varying cultures,
ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientation,
and ability levels
Critically Reflective Analysis Framework:
Robbins, Chatterjee & Canda
What specific aspect of human development and
human relations does the theory address and
emphasize? Which dimensions are addressed
and which dimensions are omitted?
What is the theory’s relevance to individuals,
families, groups, organizations, institutions,
and communities? Where on the micro-macro
continuum is the theory most relevant?
How consistent is the theory with social work
values and ethics? How does the theory
incorporate well-being, diversity,
empowerment, and strengths? How are issues
related to race, gender, culture, religion, sexual
orientation, ability, and social class?
Robbins, Chatterjee & Canda Critical
Analysis Framework
What are the theory’s philosophical underpinnings?
What does the theory say about human nature
(ontology)?
Ontology:
– What is the nature of reality?
– What is truth?
– How do things really work?
Robbins, Chatterjee & Canda Critical
Analysis Framework
What are the theory’s philosophical underpinnings?
How is knowledge generated (epistomology)?
Epistemology:
– What is the relationship between
the investigator and the subject?
Robbins, Chatterjee & Canda Critical
Analysis Framework
What are the methodological issues and evidence of
empirical support?
How is research conducted (methodology)?
–
How does the investigator go about
discovering knowledge?
• Qualitative methods
• Quantitative methods
• Mixed methods
Robbins, Chatterjee & Canda Critical
Analysis Framework
On what grounds does the theory base its appeal?
What leads you to choose one set of theories over
another set of theories?
•
•
•
A subjective experience
Determined by our beliefs an
Fit with our personal experience and worldview
Eleven Great Ideas
Influencing Generalist Social Work Practice
Systems Theory: “Everything” is connected and working toward
goal attainment
Conflict Theory: Social justice requires economic and social change
Empowerment Theory: Consciousness Raising/Collective Action
Culture, Multiculturalism, Adaptation, and Competence: Examines
differences in majority/minority stances and how these
influence human transactions
Psychodynamic Theories: The role of the private, internal, mental
world on human conduct
Life Span Development (womb to tomb): The role of biological,
psychological, and social components during life
Eleven Great Ideas
Influencing Generalist Social Work Practice
Cognitive and Moral Development: The influence of intellectual and
ethical development on how people think and make decisions
Symbolic Interaction and Role Theory: The influence of socialization
throughout life, especially in regard to language, symbols, and
expectations.
Phenomenology, Social Construction, and the Centrality of
Consciousness: Understanding self, society, and the world are
influenced by how we define reality.
Behaviorism, Social Learning, and Exchange Theories: The influence
of reinforcements (the environment) on shaping behavior
Transpersonal Theories: How religious and spiritual experiences
give a sense of meaning, direction, and purpose in life
Conclusion
“There are many truths and many ways of knowing. Each
discovery contributes to our knowledge, and each
way of knowing deepens our understanding and
adds another dimension to our view of the world…we
must not turn our backs on any opportunities to
enhance our knowledge… the boundaries of our
profession are wide and deep… no one way of
knowing can explore this vast and varied territory.”
Ann Hartman
T