Theories of Social Work. A critical discussion

Seminar Paper , 2011 , 21 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Social Work

The aim of this paper is to critically discuss various theories of social work in the context of a case study from the field of family support.

Three approaches are used to analyse the case and then critically discussed. In this context, it seemed appropriate to choose a classical theory from the origins of social work. The approach of Alice Salomon, who can be regarded as a pioneer of the science of social work, serves this purpose. Complementing this, two important contemporary theories are also applied. The concept of "coping with life" by Lothar Böhnisch and the approach of "lifeworld orientation" by Hans Thiersch. These two theories were chosen because of their immense, structure-forming influence on social work.

The framework of this work does not allow for the inclusion of other theories, which is why Silvia Staub-Bernasconi's systemic theory, for example, which undisputedly has a formative character in current theoretical discourses, is not applied in this work.

Table of contents

List of abbreviations

1 Introduction
1.1 Structure of the paper
1.2 The theory/practice relationship

2 Case history
2.1 Presentation of the case
2.2 Reflection on the history of the case

3 The Social Work Theory by Alice Salamon
3.1 Outlines of Alice Salomon's theoretical approach
3.2 Case analysis with reference to Alice Salomon's theory
3.3 Critical discussion of Alice Salomon's theory

4 The concept of "coping with life"
4.1 Basics of the concept "coping with life"
4.2 Case analysis with reference to the concept of "coping with life"
4.3 Critical discussion of the concept of "coping with life"

5 Life-world oriented social work
5.1 Basics of the theory "life world orientation"
5.2 Case analysis with reference to life-world-oriented social work
5.3 Critical discussion of the theory "life world orientation"

6 Concluding remarks

Bibliography

List of abbreviations

BSA Bachelor Social Work

or. respectively

Dr. doctor

Prof. professor

SGB Social Code

SP Social Work / Care Management

cf. comparison

1 Introduction

The aim of the present seminar paper is the critical discussion of various theories of social work, in the context of a case history.

As a case history, a case from the field of family assistance was chosen, which is a case characteristic of this field of social work.

Three approaches are applied to the analysis of the case presented and then critically discussed. In this context, it seemed to me to make sense to choose a classical theory from the origins of social work. This is the approach of Alice Salomon, who can be seen as a pioneer of the science of social work. Complementing this, two important theories of the present are applied. The concept of "coping with life" by Lothar Böhnisch and the approach "lifeworld orientation" by Hans Thiersch. These two theories were chosen because of their immense, structure-building influence on social work.

The framework of this work does not allow further theories to be included, for this reason, for example, the systemic theory of Silvia Staub-Bernasconi, which indisputably has a formative character in current theoretical discourses, is not applied in the context of this work.

1.1 Structure of the paper

Section 1.2 is followed by a presentation of the theory/practice relationship in order to illustrate the close correlation between the two approaches.

Chapter 2 deals with the history of the case. For this purpose, a description of the case is first made (chapter 2.1). The case history is then reflected with reference to phenomenal, causal and actional questions (chapter 2.2).

Chapters three to five are structured in the same way. In the first subchapter, the theories are first presented in essential basics, then the case history is analyzed in relation to the theory and finally critically discussed in the third subchapter.

Chapter 3 focuses on the theory of social work by Alice Salamon.

In the following passage, the concept of "coping with life" by Lothar Böhnisch is dealt with (chapter 4).

The concluding chapter of the main part of this work (chapter 5) deals with the approach of "life-world orientation" shaped by Hans Thiersch.

To sum up, chapter 6 concludes with a concluding remark.

1.2 The theory/practice relationship

"Theory without practice is empty, practice without theory is blind!"

This quotation by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) expresses in an extremely vivid way and whiteness the close connection between theory and practice.

In most cases, a contradiction is assumed in the relationship between the two terms without realizing the close correlation. "Both approaches must be distinguished, but also related to each other and productively understood in their mutual provocation" (Füssenhäuser and Thiersch 2005, p. 1877).

Social work as a profession is aimed at the tasks of daily practice. In doing so, it acts as a supporting, clarifying and advisory capacity for its addressees. It serves to help in dealing with life management and life-shaping tasks within changing social and societal framework conditions.

Social work as a scientific discipline serves the reflexive analysis and thus the creation of ideas for action, options for action and perspectives for action for the practice of social work. For this purpose, a certain distance to direct requirements of practice is necessary in order to reflect and clarify structures, statements and empirical findings. (cf. Füssenhäuser and Thiersch 2005, p. 1877)

As a discipline of action science, social work implies both recognition (theory) and action (practice), since both approaches are mutually dependent. Practice is never free of theoretical findings, just as theory is mostly based on the realities of practice. (cf. Kleve 2006, p. 16)

In the context of professional social work, therefore, both a scientific, theoretical fundus is indispensable as well as a reflective practice.

2 Case history

The following case story describes the life situation of the Köhler family. The consideration takes place within the framework of the field of work of family assistance. The case presented here is purely fictitious and, like the names of the actors, fictitious. However, it represents a characteristic case of this field of social work.

2.1 Presentation of the case

The Köhler family lives in a two-room apartment with a size of 45 square meters. The apartment is located in the big city of H. and seems to be in great need of renovation. Thomas Köhler is 43 years old and has not completed any vocational training. He worked as a laborer in a metal industry company until he lost his job three years ago. Furthermore, the family is home to their incapacitated wife Doris (37 years old, trained bakery saleswoman) and their son Kevin (14 years old, secondary school student).

The family lives in very cramped living conditions. The apartment consists of a smaller children's room and a larger room that acts as a living room during the day and as the parents' bedroom at night.

The family man Thomas Köhler stands out for his loud, aggressive and commanding nature. The aggressiveness is expressed by the AUSTRIAfteren in the form of blows, which especially Kevin often gets to feel. This usually reacts by fleeing outside. Thomas Köhler's job loss, as well as his exclusion from the Altherren football club, to which he belonged for many years, can also be attributed to his aggression. Even in the close circle of relatives and friends, his behavior led to complete aversion. However, he himself does not see the cause in his described behavior, but in his environment. Which is confirmed by his statement, "they all don't understand it, I don't mean it that way".

Another problem in this context is his strong alcohol consumption, which he does not see as problematic, however, since he already knows about his father, as well as the reprimand by beatings, and has "a little alcohol", according to Thomas Köhler, "not harmed anyone yet". in Ühe also had to let off steam in some form, since he saw no prospects for himself on the labour market.

Doris Köhler makes a quiet, depressed and resigned impression. Due to a strong, chronic rheumatic disease, she has not been able to work for five years and has rarely left the house since then. Coping with household tasks also overburdens them with the AUSTRIAfteren, due to the relapsing pain conditions. Her husband is no help to her either, as he considers household activities to be "women's work". Doris Köhler's statement that everything is simply too much for her and that she does not know how all this should continue, she repeats again and again in conversation.

Kevin Köhler is rarely to be found at home, he is also noticeable by his poor school performance. In conversation, he appears absent and not very communicative, he also makes a cloudy impression. In this regard, Kevin was already in contact with the school social worker, as he had already been observed three times by teachers "smoking weed" with older adolescents on the school grounds. As part of this, he was expelled from school for two weeks. If he should become conspicuous again, a school expulsion threatens. In a personal conversation, Kevin confirmed that he would regularly use cannabis and that this would be so common in his clique.

2.2 Reflection on the history of the case

The case history is reflected and analyzed in the following with reference to the phenomenal, causal and actional question. The aim is to capture the dimensions of the phenomena underlying the case and to open up basic options for action.

In this context, the phenomenal question pursues the question: "What's going on?" This generates descriptions. The causal question questions the cause: "Why is that?" As a result, explanations are produced. The actional question: "What is to be done?" creates plot ideas. (cf. Kleve 2006, p. 16)

In relation to the phenomenal question, it can be said that it is a family consisting of two parents and a minor son. The parents are both inactive, the mother is also incapable of working due to an illness. Fourteen-year-old Kevin attends secondary school. The family lives together in a two-room apartment with a size of 45 square meters, from which it can be concluded that cramped living conditions prevail. The father Thomas Köhler shows an aggressive behavior, there is obviously also an alcohol problem. The life of her mother Doris Köhler is strongly influenced by her serious illness. Son Kevin suffers from his father's aggression. Also with him, due to the incidents at school, an addiction problem has to be questioned.

With regard to the causal question, the first thing to be mentioned is the unemployment of both parents. Due to this, there is obviously a strong frustration, which is expressed in Thomas Köhler through aggressive behavior and in Doris Köhler through withdrawal. Thomas Köhler's alcohol problem also seems to play a major role here. In the mother's case, the disease is in the foreground, which entails an inadequate management of everyday tasks. Finally, the cramped living conditions should be mentioned. The living space is too small for a family of three.

In the context of the actional question, the basic financial security of the family must first be examined. The cost recovery of the costs of treatment and drug costs arising from the mother's illness must also be questioned. Furthermore, it is important to examine possibilities regarding the housing situation. If necessary, a move of the family to a larger apartment is feasible. With regard to the addiction problem of the father and the related abnormalities of the son, an addiction consultation seems to be expedient. In addition, psychological counseling for both parents would also be advisable. For Thomas Köhler, due to the burden of unemployment and to address aggression. In the case of Doris Köhler, to address the psychological stress caused by the disease. Furthermore, the question arises whether and to what extent the educational aid is integrated into the case.

The underlying phenomena, their causes and the ideas for action derived from them are examined in more detail in the following chapters with reference to the selected theories.

3 The Social Work Theory by Alice Salamon

This chapter is used to present the case with reference to the theory of social work by Alice Salomon (1872-1948). Salomon has had a decisive influence on the early phase of social work in Germany. In this context, the term "social diagnostics" introduced by her should be mentioned.

3.1 Outlines of Alice Salomon's theoretical approach

"All care strives for the restoration of economic independence, health, the ability to lead a responsible life" (Salamon 1927, p. 52).

According to Alice Salomon, modern industrial societies create permanent hardship, on the (social) causes of which the individual initially has no influence, since they are causally caused by overall social conditions. The economic hardship is expressed, among other things, in unemployment, poverty in old age or widowing. As a result of increasing urbanisation, cramped housing conditions, unhealthy working conditions and poor hygiene lead to health problems. According to Salomon, other causes of need also lie in the subject itself, such as character deficits, economic inability, weakness of will or the general inability to deal with life's challenges. (cf. Engelke, Borrmann, Spatscheck 2009, pp. 240-241)

For Salomon, welfare is the goal of almost every human activity. From which the primary tasks of welfare care arise the prevention of poverty and hardship as well as the fight against their causes. Those in need of help are to be supported materially by welfare care on the one hand and their economic independence on the other hand. To this end, it is necessary to promote, develop, preserve and protect existing resources. Damaged forces must be restored as far as possible. (cf. Engelke, Borrmann, Spatscheck 2009, pp. 241-244)

Methods of professional action result from what Salamon regards as the content of helping: "the development of personality through conscious adaptation of man to his environment" or "the environment to the special needs and forces of the person concerned" (Salomon 1927, p. 60). She distinguishes between individualized and group care. The basis of the help is the social diagnosis (see Salomon 1927, p. 61). It serves the precise analysis and the development of an overall picture of a person's social difficulties in order to generate suitable relief measures. The investigation and naming of the causes of the social emergency is necessary because the measures to be taken depend on whether the emergency is justified in the subject itself or in the social conditions.

The human being can then either be helped to find his way in the environment given to him, to assert and to classify. Or the environment of the person concerned must accordingly be changed, redesigned or influenced in such a way that he can prove himself in it and thus develop his existing powers.

For Salomon, the most effective method of individualized care is to give the person concerned the belief that he can help himself. To this end, he should be encouraged to think and plan independently. (cf. Engelke, Borrmann, Spatscheck 2009, pp. 245-246)

Salomon also sees women as primarily suitable for social work, as caring, educating and caring activities correspond to their gender-typical abilities and thus the needs of the disadvantaged, children and women can be perceived more sensitively by them. (cf. Engelke, Borrmann, Spatscheck 2009, p. 247)

3.2 Case analysis with reference to Alice Salomon's theory

The case history is first analyzed in the context of social diagnosis and then considered from the point of view of care, in the sense of help with social adaptation.

The Köhler family lives in a big city, their apartment is small and cramped. The father Horst Köhler is aggressive and seems to have a massive alcohol problem. Her mother Doris Köhler suffers from a serious illness. With son Kevin Köhler, there also seems to be an addiction problem. He also has problems at school. The family is affected by both economic and health hardship. The causes of economic hardship lie in the loss of the father's job and the mother's illness. This disease is also an expression of health distress. As subjectively causal for the emergency situation, the inability of the parents to deal with these circumstances can be regarded. The addiction problem and aggressiveness of the father, the self-isolation of the mother and the behavioral problems of the son are also an expression of a failed adaptation.

Possible aid plans should, with reference to Alice Salomon's approach, first address the financial circumstances. In this context, the reintegration into an employment relationship of Thomas Köhler is just as much in the foreground as an optimal health-promoting care of Doris Köhler. Further, the addiction problem of Kevin and Thomas Köhler is to be addressed. An addiction counseling with subsequent addiction therapy would be an adequate means of assistance in the case of Mr. Köhler. With regard to Kevin, an addiction consultation would also have to be initiated, here should also be questioned to what extent an addiction therapy would also be indicated in his case. In the context of the financial situation, the remuneration of social welfare benefits must also be reviewed. This includes the benefits of the basic security as well as benefits that affect doris Köhler's illness management. As part of the "help for self-help", a learning aid for Kevin would be advisable. Since the chances of participation, in the form of a training place, are increased by improved school performance. In line with Salomon's theory, with regard to a change in ratio, the possibility of a change of residence should be considered. The reconstruction of a social network should also be mentioned in this context. Options would be available in the form of the activation of a neighborhood help or in the recovery of former networks, whereby a change in behavior or personality of Mr. Köhler would be indispensable.

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• College: University of Applied Sciences Esslingen
• Course: Einführung in Theorien Sozialer Arbeit
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Daniel Rau (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 21
• Catalog Number: V1157392
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346544797
• Language: English
• Tags: social work, social work theories, family support, Lothar Böhnisch, Hans Thiersch