Running head: PERSPECTIVES
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Social Work Perspectives
Sonya Hardy
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
PERSPECTIVES
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Social Work Perspectives
There are several theories that are important to the social work scope of practice. The
three theories that will be discussed are ecological theory, conflict theory and strengths theory or
perspective.
The ecological theory was introduced and adapted in the profession of social work by
Carl Germain. The ecological perspective involves the study of the interaction between human
beings, mutual accommodations and their environments in which they live. This perspective
suggest that the emotional, behavioral and psychological problems that human beings experience
are not specifically caused by individual pathology, but possible the results of dysfunctions in the
ecosystem in their surrounds. (Oueralt) The ecological perspective emphasizes the importance
of setting a foundation which consists of assessing the person in their own individual
environment. (Zastrow, 2010) As cited in Ephress by (German and Gitterman, 1980, p. 5)
ecological theory is primarily based on “an adaptive, evolutionary view of human beings in
constant interchange with all elements of their environment”.
There are several assumptions of the ecological perspective such as
A. The person and environment are intertwined and they both influence each other.
B. The ability to co-exist with the environment or related to other individuals is natural.
C. As a result of the transactions with the environment, both biological factors and
genetics are expressed differently.
D. A key to development is the subjective meaning of the environment. Therefore,
human beings strive for understanding and need to be understood in their own
atmosphere and settings.
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E. As a result of life experiences both positive and negative change could occur. What
happens between an individual and their own environment can generate life stress.
(Ephross, 1991).
The Conflict theory was introduced to the social work profession by Karl Marx, who was
a conflict theorist. He believed that conflict existed in every society group, and that it was
perceived to tension among groups and economic factors was a contributing factor to conflict,
and individuals attempt to dominate while avoiding being dominated his main focus on the
struggle between economic classes (Eitzen, 1982). Conflict can occur at any level of social life
such as: international, inter-organizational, intergroup and interpersonal.
Due to various individuals and groups working closely together in organizations that
have different beliefs, values and cultural backgrounds, conflicts can occur. In order to resolve
the conflict negotiations must be made, because of misunderstanding or offensive prejudices and
negative behaviors the chances of positive or constructive negotiation will be reduced. When the
valued or desired position in society is limited, the struggle for status between competing groups
can result in conflict when unlike groups meet and resources such as territory, power, status and
wealth are scarce (Landis, 1977). The conflict theory suggests that conflict is a normal behavior
in social interaction and is an appropriate was to understand society.
There are several assumptions to the conflict theory, for example
A. Unstable
B. Competition, domination or subordination.
C. The necessities that people desire in short supply.
D. Individuals share strengths from other systems that they are a part of, such as
extended family or the neighborhood in which he or she lives.
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In a dispute or conflict if the negotiation is not productive and prolonged more problems can
occur. A third party may be required to facilitate a solution.
Nevertheless, programs are needed to prevent or reduce conflicts between developing
societies, creating a better physical environment and establishing services to meet the needs of
individuals. If the social issues do not improve through redevelopment programs then conflicts
with continue.
According to Greene, Lee & Hoffpauir (2005) “the strength perspective assists clients in
recognizing and utilizing the strengths and resources that they may not recognize within
themselves, thus aiding clients in regaining power over their lives. The main focus of the
strength perspective is to acknowledge and enhance the strengths of clients to include the client’s
basic survival skills, his or her abilities to meet their own basic necessities of life, knowledge and
available resources, because the primary objective is meeting the client’s goal (Early &
GotenMaye, 2000).
The relationship between the social worker and client is collaborative and mutual. The
focus is on strengths and deficits or weaknesses are not relevant. The client can expand and
build on his or her knowledge and make changes.
Strengths Assumptions
A. Individuals have capability of realizing the revelance of defining their own situation
and seeking solutions to their problems
B. Human beings are determined to survive, maintain life and achieve goals regardless
of the obstacles or risk factors that obstruct them from meeting their goals
C. Clients are often oppressed by other individuals and society for social work services
or resources (Early & Golenmaye, 2000).
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When social workers are not prepared to use the strength perspective it will be difficult to
transfer power to the client from the social worker, because the relationship is equal to a
partnership with resolving the problems (Itzhaky &Bustin, 2002).
Part 2
Introduction
In the United States and across the nation, domestic violence, or intimate partner
violence, has become an on-going problem that affects all sectors of life. This problem does not
discriminate against race, gender, sexual orientation, economic status or income, religion, or
educational background. Domestic violence not only has a negative impact on the individual
victim or victims, but on the perpetrator, families of both the victim and perpetrator, and society
as a whole.
Social Problem
Domestic Violence against Women
According to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence, domestic violence or
Intimate Partner violence can be defined as a form of abusive behaviors such as physical assault
or battery, emotional abuse, intimidation, and sexual abuse. In the United States each year there
Are between 600,000 and 6 million reports of violent acts caused by current or past boyfriends,
Girlfriends, spouses, and intimate partners. More women are vulnerable victims of domestic
violence because they are smaller in size, have less physical strength than the aggressor, the
victim relies on the aggressor for physical, financial, or emotional support, lack of education,
lack of or no family support, or the victim grew up in a house where violence between parents or
siblings were a part of everyday living. Although reports have shown both females and males
can be victims of domestic abuse. The sole victim is most likely the female and the sole
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perpetrator is most likely the male (Graham-Devan, 2000). At that rate, one out of every four
women will experience some form of domestic violence or abuse in her life (Rennison, 2003).
There are similar risk factors associated with domestic violence for both the victim and
the perpetrator such as, low intelligence, fearlessness, lack of empathy or concern, and a history
of aggressive behaviors.
Scope and Social Cost of Domestic Violence Against Women
Although most citizens of the United States will agree that domestic violence is a major
public problem, the discrepancy of the magnitude and seriousness of the problem is to be
debated. The National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS) reported that women in the
United States over the age of 18 years account for the estimated 5.3 million victims yearly.
There were over 2 million injuries resulting with over 550,000 needing some form of medical
attention. Out of the total number of victims that were currently employed, a total of 8 million
days resulted in loss of pay which was estimated to be equal to 32 full-time positions or jobs
(Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2003). In 1995, as a result of domestic
violence or intimate partner violence, NVAWS reported that 1,252 women over the age of 18
were killed. In the United States, over 4.1 billion dollars is spent each year on medical care or
treatment expenses related to sexual abuse. These expenses stem from emergency department
visits, outpatient visits, hospital overnights, physician or dental visits, and the use of ambulance
and paramedic support. The primary source of payment for the medical services is Medicare,
Medicaid, private insurance, self-pay. Low income based clinics are free (CDC, 2003). The
estimated loss of wages for victims is 0.9 billion dollars. Although the rate of domestic violence
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or intimate partner incidents and cost is steadily increasing, in many cases, domestic violence
goes unreported.
Clientele
There is no specific age that domestic violence or intimate partner violence occurs, but it
can begin as early as 18 years old. Victims can range from 18 to 65 years old and beyond.
There is no intended target or exceptions to domestic violence. This form of abuse effects all
races, ethnic groups, and nationalities in societies.
Interventions
Ecological Perspective
The ecological theory focuses on assessing the person’s emotional well-being, individual
behaviors and psychological problems that surrounds him or her in their own environments
(Queralt, 1996). The ecological theory emphasizes the person in their own habitats, the
correlation with the person and the systems that they are linked with for assistance, resources or
services and to aid with the individual meeting his or her primary goal and reach their full
potential as they transition from different stages in their life (Zastrow, 2008). In relating women
that are affected by domestic violence to the ecological theory, social workers can provide
services to victims such as counseling, therapy, and provide additional resources to aid with the
person gaining back control of their life in order for them not to continue being victimized and
the social worker can emphasize the importance to the victim of becoming independent vs.
dependent. One advantage of the ecological theory is the broad scope of practices. It involves
subsystems such as parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, spiritual support systems, organizations,
and institutions that can assist with treatment. The first approach is to acknowledge the source of
the problem before any treatment or interventions can become effective.
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Conflict Perspective
Conflict occurs when individuals are in competition for sources that are limited. It is
believed that conflict occurs in every society group which is brought on by the need to gain
control over someone or control of a situation. Karl Marx’s view of the conflict theory is to
provide just enough service to those individuals in need, to fulfill required obligations, keep
peace and to avoid problems from escalating (Eitzen, 1982). The social worker needs to assist
the victim finding a safe location and ensuring that the safe from the aggressor.
Strengths Perspective
The strengths theory emphasizes the importance of an individual acknowledging and
building on the strengths within self that he or she may not have the ability to recognize by their
self. The main focus of this perspective is that the client achieves essential survival skills, which
means the ability to meet their own basic necessities of life and become knowledgeable of
resources that are readily available. The social workers goal is for the victim to focus on their
strengths and not their weakness, seeking a solution to their current problem and allowing them
to be empowered to make all decisions for him or herself.
In conclusion, the reason why domestic violence or intimate partner violence occurs will
never be totally understood. Society has to look at victims who live under a constant fear of
being abused or suffering from` some form of abuse that could become life threatening and focus
on educating women about living under those circumstances. Victims are survivors, they need to
be respected and encouraged for the decisions that they make, not treated as being powerless, but
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supported for not remaining silent or continuing to be a victim while seeking outside assistance
and supported during the healing process.
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References
Early, T. J., & GlenMaye, L. F. (2000). Valuing Families: Social Work Practice with Families
from a Strengths Perspective. Social Work, 45(2), 118-130
Eitzen, D., (1982). In Conflict and Order, Understanding Society. Allyn & Bacon Inc.
Ephross, P.H (1991). Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice. Walter de Grayler Inc.,
New York
Germain, C., & Gitterman, A. (1980). Life Model of Social Work Practice. Life Model of Social
Work Practice.
Greene, G. J., Lee, M. Y., & Hoffpauir, S. (2005). The languages of empowerment
and strengths in clinical social work: A constructivist perspective Families
in Society, 86(2), 267–277.
Itzhaky, H., & Bustin, E. (2002). Strengths and Pathological Perspectives in Community Social
Work. Journal of Community Practice, 10(3), 61-73
Landis, J., (1977). Sociology: Concepts & Characteristics. Wadsworth Publishing Company Inc.
Queralt, M., (1996). The Social Environment & Human Behavior “A Diversity Perspective
Florida International University.
Turner, J. H. (1975). Marx and Simmel Revisited: Reassessing the Foundations of Conflict
Theory. Social Forces, 53(4), 618-627.
Vayrynen, R. (1991). New Directions in Conflict Theory Conflict Resolution. International
Social Science Research Council Raimo Vayrynen
Zastrow, C.H., (2010).The Practice of Social Work: A comprehensive Work. Brooks/Cole
Cengage learning