Social Work Theory And Methods Comparison Table
Social Work Theory and Methods Comparison Table
Theory
Key Concepts
Advantages
Limitations
Situations where this may be useful
Systems Theory
People are not isolated individuals but operate as part of wider networks or "systems"
Systems may be informal (e.g. family or friends), formal (e.g. clubs, support groups) or public (schools, hospitals)
Difficulties may arise if there is a lack of fit between the person and the systems they operate within.
Systems can be employed to support the service user to achieve change.
Emphasis on changing environments rather than individuals.
Focus on patterns rather than "cause and effect" – allows for different ways of getting to the desired outcome.
Sees worker as part of a system of change rather than solely responsible – may lend itself to multi-disciplinary work.
Does not explain why things happen or give guidance about how to act to bring about change.
May overemphasise "bigger picture" at the expense of details.
Values maintenance and integration over conflict – may not explicitly challenge inequality. Does not encourage challenge of oppressive systems.
Ecological Approach
Germain and Gitterman – "Life model" (1980 / 1996) -people are interdependent with each other and their environment – each influences the other over time.
People move through their own unique life course and may encounter "stressors" – some of which may make them feel they cannot cope.
People employ coping mechanisms and draw on resources in the environment, social networks and inner resources.
Acknowledgement of interrelationship between person and environment.
Consideration of a range of resources to support people – both internal and external.
As above.
Task Centred Approach
Brief work within explicit time limits
Collaborative approach between worker and service user – based on a contract.
Systematic work
Includes some behavioural ideas but mainly a cognitive approach
Usual to take action to get what you want
Action guided by beliefs about self
Theory
Key Concepts
Advantages
Limitations
Situations where this may be useful
Systems Theory
People are not isolated individuals but operate as part of wider networks or "systems"
Systems may be informal (e.g. family or friends), formal (e.g. clubs, support groups) or public (schools, hospitals)
Difficulties may arise if there is a lack of fit between the person and the systems they operate within.
Systems can be employed to support the service user to achieve change.
Emphasis on changing environments rather than individuals.
Focus on patterns rather than "cause and effect" – allows for different ways of getting to the desired outcome.
Sees worker as part of a system of change rather than solely responsible – may lend itself to multi-disciplinary work.
Does not explain why things happen or give guidance about how to act to bring about change.
May overemphasise "bigger picture" at the expense of details.
Values maintenance and integration over conflict – may not explicitly challenge inequality. Does not encourage challenge of oppressive systems.
Ecological Approach
Germain and Gitterman – "Life model" (1980 / 1996) -people are interdependent with each other and their environment – each influences the other over time.
People move through their own unique life course and may encounter "stressors" – some of which may make them feel they cannot cope.
People employ coping mechanisms and draw on resources in the environment, social networks and inner resources.
Acknowledgement of interrelationship between person and environment.
Consideration of a range of resources to support people – both internal and external.
As above.
Task Centred Approach
Brief work within explicit time limits
Collaborative approach between worker and service user – based on a contract.
Systematic work
Includes some behavioural ideas but mainly a cognitive approach
Usual to take action to get what you want
Action guided by beliefs about self
References: Coulshed, V; Social Work Practice; 2nd ed (1991) Macmillan, Basingstoke and London. Lindsay, T (ed) ; Social Work Intervention; (2009) Learning Matters Ltd, Exeter. Maclean, S and Harrison, R: Social Work Theory;(2008); Kirwan Maclean Associates, Rugeley. Milner, J and O’Byrne; P: Assessment in Social Work; (1998) Macmillan; London and Basingstoke. Payne, M; Modern Social Work Theory; 3rd ed (2005) Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke & New York. Trevithick, P; Social Work Skills, A Practice Handbook; 1st ed (2000) OU Press, Buckingham & Philadelphia