Discussion Post: Individual vs. Structural-Cultural Theories
Theories help frame more than presenting problems-they also frame social problems, and both types of problems can be linked in relation to client issues. For example, many scholars and social workers have attempted to understand the social problem of poverty. Turner and Lehning (2007) classified various psychological theories to explain poverty under two headings: (1) individual-related theories or (2) structural/cultural-related theories. In other words, think of these two headings as lenses in viewing poverty. In this Discussion, you apply lenses through which to understand a client's problem in relation to social problems.
To prepare:
1) Read this article listed in the Learning Resources: Turner, K., & Lehning, A. J. (2007). Psychological theories of poverty. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 16(1/2), 57-72. doi:10.1300/J137v16n01-05
2) Select a theory under the individual-related theories and a theory under the structural/cultural-related theories.
3) Complete the handout "Comparing Individual-Related and Structural/Cultural-Related Theories" to help you craft your response. (Note: You do not need to upload the handout to the Discussion forum. The handout is intended to assist you in writing your Discussion post.)
Post:
1) Describe how a social worker would conceptualize a presenting problem of poverty from the two theories you selected.
2) Explain how this conceptualization differs from an individual-related versus a structural/cultural-related theoretical lens.
3) Compare how the two theoretical lenses differ in terms of how the social worker would approach the client and the problem and how the social worker would intervene.
4) How do social workers determine the cause of a client's problems? Watch this video to explore a way that social workers conceptualize a client's presenting problems:
Transcript from:
Theories as Lenses Program Transcript
NARRATOR: An important key in helping people is for social work to be actively engaged with human behavior, which is a very complex set of observable interactions. Social workers may at first call upon practical experiences to help guide them as they work with clients, but theories in conjunction with evidence based practice provide a grounding from which social workers identify proper interventions to use with clients.
Scholars have been researching the complexities of human behavior for centuries. Through observing different individuals over time, patterns of human behavior have been identified. These observed patterns evolve into statements that are tested using social science research to verify how well a theory can predict and explain human behavior or social problems.
The result, the creation of numerous theories for social workers to apply. Theories are like lenses on a pair of glasses. As you apply certain theories, it may affect what is observed. Some things may have greater emphasis or focus than others. Adjusting theoretical approaches may also help social workers refine their initial observations.
Theoretical lenses provide the tools for social workers to better understand human behavior and then to guide interactions with clients as needed. In essence, theories shape how the social workers define and conceptualize the cause of the problem, which then writes one questions the social worker asks during adjustment.
Ultimately the theory will shape interventions used. This process is known as theoretical orientation. The number of theories that social workers can vary greatly. Which theories to study, follow, and apply requires a social worker to become familiar with each of them, and the knowledge as to where to find the latest information and research.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
References
• Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
o Chapter 14: General Systems Theory (pp. 240-247)