As the field of social work has evolved and expanded, so have its theoretical underpinnings. Importantly, many new theories relate to human need and social justice and lead to strategies that social workers now use to promote social and economic justice, and human rights.
For example, the minority stress theory and model has been presented to explain why individuals of stigmatized minority groups may experience extremely high levels of stress. It points to several factors, including socioeconomic status, limited social support, prejudice, and discrimination as contributing to this stress.
Public awareness in the past decade related to suicide ideation and other risky behaviors has led to the refinement of crisis intervention models and theories that can help clients at risk.
Another more recent model of practice for social workers is the Independent Living Model, fundamental to professional practice with individuals with disabilities. In this model, based on case management, clients/constituents manage their own cases and their own lives. This model is derived from the minority perspective and is a promising approach in which social and environmental issues are the primary focus of intervention and change, which is in contrast to more traditional models where the individual’s issues are the primary focus (Mackelprang & Salsgiver, 2016).
The readings for this week bring more detail to this conversation around traditional and contemporary theories. Schriver situates this as a difference between dominant and alternative paradigms. This week, you will read about dominant or traditional theories for social work practice with individuals. The two additional readings present theories or models that bring a social justice focus, as well as strategies to promote social and economic justice, and human rights.
Contemporary and Emerging Theory and Models of Practice
As the field of social work has evolved and expanded, so have its theoretical underpinnings. Importantly, many new theories relate to human need and social justice and lead to strategies that social workers now use to promote social and economic justice, and human rights.
For example, the minority stress theory and model has been presented to explain why individuals of stigmatized minority groups may experience extremely high levels of stress. It points to several factors, including socioeconomic status, limited social support, prejudice, and discrimination as contributing to this stress.
Public awareness in the past decade related to suicide ideation and other risky behaviors has led to the refinement of crisis intervention models and theories that can help clients at risk.
Another more recent model of practice for social workers is the Independent Living Model, fundamental to professional practice with individuals with disabilities. In this model, based on case management, clients/constituents manage their own cases and their own lives. This model is derived from the minority perspective and is a promising approach in which social and environmental issues are the primary focus of intervention and change, which is in contrast to more traditional models where the individual’s issues are the primary focus (Mackelprang & Salsgiver, 2016).
The readings for this week bring more detail to this conversation around traditional and contemporary theories. Schriver situates this as a difference between dominant and alternative paradigms. This week, you will read about dominant or traditional theories for social work practice with individuals. The two additional readings present theories or models that bring a social justice focus, as well as strategies to promote social and economic justice, and human rights.