Social Work: Issues in applying theories to Practice.

As in most formative or academic undertakings, the outcome of the years of

training are envisaged to provide students with the critical and objective
competence to evaluate presenting problems and to engage in remedial
processes that are both responsive as well as contextually appropriate. In social
work in particular, the effective integration of theories into practice is a factor of
myriads of critical considerations. The starting point is the critical awareness that
theories are not practice dogmas. Most importantly, no one theory is
comprehensively adequate in the analysis of a given social problem. The general
consensus is that the most effective social work practitioners are those who
critically apply multiple theories (triangulations) in their intervention processes;
making sure that their chosen theories are contextually grounded. Indeed, as a
human activity; and bearing in mind the reality that neither the service users nor
the service providers (social workers) are a homogeneous entity fitting a
particular stereotype, the effective integration of theories into practice must
reflect these differences and diversities.

My experience of years of research, debates and conceptualisation strongly

suggest that in frontline practices, most social workers especially the new
graduates mistakenly think that there is a particular or right way to solve
presenting problems. While not dispelling the reality that there are right ways
(approaches) in interventions, my argument is that any search for a particular or
single way to resolve what are usually complex social issues in social work is
bound to be futile. Nevertheless, theories provide those right ways to render
frontline interventions systematic, more rational; resulting in more consistent
though not necessarily perfect outcomes.

Case Example

In the case of a family with the parents in ‘conflict’ relationship and their
children showing aggressive attitudes towards their peers; while Bowlby’s child
development theories may give a critical insight into the origins of the family
members’ difficulties in forming meaningful relationships; Freud’s
Psychodynamics theories on personality maybe needed to reinforce assumptions
derived from Bowlby’s. Together, the social worker is able to development a
more holistic analysis of factors that maybe significant determinant of the
family’s difficulties. While these may not be the only theories that may assist the
social worker in gaining a critical insight into the family’s problem, the social
worker’s ability to triangulate or use multiple theories significantly enhances the
potential for effective, efficient and appropriate intervention. Indeed, with the
family as a social system; the contribution of whose integral members are vital
to the overall wellbeing of the family as whole, an understanding of the System
Theory will suggest that effective resolution of the problems of any member of
the family will reciprocate similar effect on the rest on the family in making the
entity survive and live more harmoniously. In the process of resolving the
problems of the individual members for issues maybe relating to violence,
alcohol etc., the social worker may have to also use theories including Crisis
Intervention or Person-Centred.

The reality about integrating theories into practice in social work is the essential
need to realise that rather than competing for supremacy, these theories vie for
harmonious existence through critical manipulations by the hands of dextrous
social workers. Additionally, while these theories are not distinctly independent
as text books may seem to suggest, similarly they are not completely integrated.

So, how does a social worker decide which particular theories to use? The answer
though so obvious yet often overlooked is Critical Reflective Practice in which
the social worker evaluates the relevance of the theories by taking a critical and
informed reflection of the presenting problems, the people involved and the
context within which they are located. Indeed in our volatile contemporary
society the various structures of disadvantageousness and politics, including
dominant ideologies will impact significantly on the social worker’s choices and
decisions. Additionally, at the roots of seeking to integrate the various theories
into practice, the social workers (as advocates to the vulnerable) need to realise
that they are seeking to work alongside (empowerment) clients who see their
entitlement to social welfare not as a privilege but a right.

In sum the effective, efficient and appropriate integration of theories into

practice is more complex and encompassing than overtly perceived. Theories are
critically functional when the social worker ensures that they are contextually
ground to reflect the reality and circumstance of the people involved.
Additionally, social workers needs to continually reflect on their own practice.

A social worker will know that his or her choice(s) of theories for a particular
intervention is appropriate when the process and outcome enables both service
use and provider to mutually work in proactive partnership to achieve set goals
without the latter being oppressive, judgemental or discriminatory.

Conclusion. Critically and reflectively handled, most theories will harmoniously

work in partnership rather than compete for supremacy.

Open to discourse. Contact me directly for further debates and discussions on

integrating theories into practice in Social work practice.

Tel: Dr Ignatius on 07951622137, 07574707473

Email: antichildtraffic@yahoo.co.uk