Social Work Theory
Social workers are professionals in a variety of disciplines who work to improve the lives and living conditions of individuals as well as larger social systems such as families and communities. Theory in social work is about understanding how social relationships, structures and situations function. Theory allows social workers to identify areas and trouble and work to instigate change within social systems.
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Social Justice
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One of the core principles in social work is a concern for social justice. Social justice is about promoting fairness, equality and well-being for all people regardless of their place within the social structure. Social workers attempt to further the cause of social justice by working to promote social justice for disadvantaged, marginalized or struggling individuals and groups within society.
Social Welfare
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Social welfare denotes a theoretical principle as well as policies and procedures that are aimed at improving the conditions of disadvantaged individuals, families and social groups. Social welfare can also denote a concern for the financial well-being of individuals, as well as their access to opportunities such as education and employment.
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Individuals
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Social work theory focused on individuals is often concerned with how people are affected by their environment, relationships and social status. Mental health professionals are good examples of the kind of worker who applies such theory, as they often work to help people understand and improve their relationships with others.
Families
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Social workers concerned with families are interested with the roles and responsibilities that family members are supposed to carry out--and whether members are living up to expectations. Social workers applying theory at this level try to understand what constitutes healthy family dynamics and to promote such relationships through education, intervention and assistance.
Communities
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At this level, social work theorists seeks to understand how societies are structured, how inequality might be built into such structures and how to remedy it. They are also concerned with advocating for policies that seek to provide assistance or improve conditions for struggling or marginalized communities. Oftentimes, social workers who use theory at this level are policy advisers, group advocates, researchers or academics.
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