What Is the Strength Perspective in the Social Work Knowledge Base?
In sociology, the strength perspective represents an approach that uses human strength and resiliency as a tool for helping individuals overcome personal obstacles and challenges. It is a process that assists troubled people realize their full potential.
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Problem-Based Approach
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Dr. Pedro Rankin, of South Africa's North-West University, explains that until recently, social work operated on the premise that individuals require assistance because they have deficits or pathologies and therefore are inherently weak or flawed. Over time, a focus on individual flaws diminishes the belief that problems can be overcome.
Principles
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The strength perspective is based on the belief that every person, family and community has capabilities that can be drawn on to overcome problems and that trauma, illness and struggle present opportunities for challenge and growth. It is also based on the principle that in every environment, people, groups and institutions have something to offer.
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Defining Strength
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According to Dr. Rankin, strength is defined as almost anything that assists a person in dealing with life's challenges. Fortitude exists within a person's personality traits and manifests through loyalty, independence and insight. Some social workers assist individuals in drawing on their spirituality for inner strength.
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References
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