Abstract
Over twelve chapters, An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods provides – if perceived critically – a solid foundational understanding of the commonly used social work theories and methods. Two additional chapters towards the end, on groupwork and community work, further enhance the volume as a resource for both student and practitioner in different practice contexts.
I found much of the book to be a useful companion while a student in college and during practice placements where I had the opportunity to apply some of the theories and methods when working with clients from dominant cultures. A distinctive feature lies in how the chapters are structured. Apart from the introduction, at the beginning of each chapter a specific social work theory or method is explored and analysed in terms of the definition, origins, characteristics, associated techniques, case study practice application, strengths/weaknesses and ethical and cultural considerations. There is also an accompanying discussion on the research regarding the effectiveness of a particular theory or method. Case study examples are used to good effect in highlighting how particular theories/methods might be applied within everyday practice. Each chapter then concludes with a useful list of further reading.
Through exploring and analysing social work theories and methods – such as ecological system theories and anti-oppressive practice within community work – the book makes some salient contributions to critical social work understanding. In this context, my own grasp of critical social work is that it is rooted in the perspective that economic, social and cultural structures privilege some people in society and not others and, as consequence, those not privileged often require social services to ameliorate their situations. This demands, however, that social workers should address social causality by aiming to change the structures that generate hardship and social suffering. Indeed, the recognition within systems theory and ecological theory of the complicity of social structures and environmental systems in causing hardships for clients exposes the limitations inherent in blaming individuals for personal hardships.
Teater makes the important observation that social work has always been focused on the individual. This is understandable when one acknowledges that social work is a Western construct developed from a philosophy of individualism. What perhaps the author should have added is that, some of the theories and methods in the book have a cultural bias predicated on the assumption that European–American values have a universal application. Carl Rogers’ person centeredness, for example, works well for people from individualistic cultures but has limited useful application for migrants from more collectivist cultures where group identity, interdependence and the extended family are often central. Equally, in analysing feminist theory, the book could have benefitted from expanding on the ethical and cultural considerations section and the experiences of women of colour (Moraga and Anzaldúa, 1983; Hooks, 1984). Hence, there is no mention that what constitutes oppression of women in one culture might not be viewed as such in another culture by women themselves. There are also omissions within the exploration of ecological systems and solution-focused and strength perspectives with no mention of the potential utility of cultural-specific assessment and intervention frameworks such as the ‘Culturagram’ which acknowledges the socio-cultural and spiritual dimension to clients’ lives (Congress, 1994).
Whilst some theories linked to diversity are mentioned, in the main the book furnishes an in-depth examination of traditional social work theories and methods and risks validating the notion that social problems are located within individuals. Consequently there is a preoccupation with focusing on the individual at the expense of the structural element in problems confronting clients. Especially in times of prolonged ‘austerity’, it is time to focus more on theories and methods that actually seek to tackle the oppressive systems and structures that generate disadvantages, hardship and hurt. Could it be that as social workers we are too enmeshed in oppressive systems to challenge this situation?