Explain how theories help inform social work competencies related to engaging with diversity
Explain how theories help inform social work competencies related to engaging with diversity and difference and advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Please respond to these two peers below:
Erika Olson
RE: Discussion – Week 7
Empowerment Theory and the NASW Code of Ethics
To empower means “to give power or authority to; to give ability to, enable, permit” (Turner, 2017, p. 148). Empowerment theory in social work assumes that oppression is structurally based, and that people are fully capable of solving problems and moving beyond them. When working from an empowerment approach, social workers promotion reflection, thinking, and problem solving; social workers emphasize a person-in-environment approach when working from this perspective (Turner, 2017). It has been argued that the social work profession is an empowering profession, which is proven by several ethical principles and standards in the NASW Code of Ethics. One ethical principal, social justice, states that social workers pursue change and are focused on the issues of vulnerable and oppressed individuals. Ethical standard 1.02, self-determination, states that social workers respect and promote the rights of clients and their right to self-determination (National Association of Social Workers, 2017). As empowerment theory is focused on how to best help oppressed individuals and also stresses individual’s ability to empower themselves, these parts of the Code of Ethics fit very well with empowerment theory.
Empowerment Theory and Field Work Client
During my field work at GMS Counseling in Northern Utah, I worked mainly with involuntary and court-ordered clients. One of my main duties in this role was to conduct assessments with clients and formulate treatment plans with the help of my supervisor. One client I worked with presented to the agency after receiving a DUI charge. It was his first offense and after completing the assessment, I determined that he likely did not have a substance abuse problem and would not benefit from intensive treatment. After speaking with my supervisor, we came up with two separate treatment plans for the client. Although the client was court ordered and required to complete some sort of treatment, I still did my best to follow the NASW Code of Ethics ethical standard 1.02, self-determination, which states that social workers should promote client’s self-determination and assist them in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals (National Association of Social Workers, 20117). I presented both treatment options to the client and allowed him to decide which option he believed would be best for him.
Empowerming people, as mentioned, is very focused on the strength clients already possess; it assumes that clients are capable of solving problems and empowering themselves (Turner, 2017). The theory is client-centered and complements the self-determination ethical standard well. When working with this client at my field placement, I was focused on my client’s right to choose and his own ability to decide what is best for him. I did my best to empower him to make the decision that would be best for him. I believe that the empowerment approach is particularly beneficial to use with involuntary clients. During my time at GMS Counseling, I encountered a lot of resistance and anger at being forced into treatment. However, I found a lot of success by using empathy and emphasizing the client’s strengths and ability to make decisions and solve their own problems.
Conclusion
Empowerment theory is focused on the oppression faced by members of society and assists them with recognizing their own ability to resolve problems. This approach fits well with the NASW Code of Ethics; parts of the code are focused on both social justice as well as client’s right to self-determination. By using empowerment theory and following the NASW Code of Ethics, I was able to find success in my field experience working with involuntary and court-ordered clients.
McKenna Gagner
RE: Discussion – Week 7
The empowerment theory and feminist theory are both important theories in social work practice. Throughout my schooling, I have learned far more about the empowerment theory than the feminist theory. The feminist theory involves equal rights, opportunity, and social justice for everyone regardless of gender, race, age, religion, class, ethnicity, or sexual orientation (Turner, 2017). There is a stigma around the word “feminist” and that it only applies to the female gender, but that is not true. Social justice is one of the six core values of the NASW Code of Ethics, referring to social workers promoting social change for all, particularly, oppressed or vulnerable individuals (National Association of Social Work, 2018). Values and principles that relate to both the feminist theory and the NASW Code of Ethics are service, social justice, and dignity and worth of a person. According to Turner (2017), the feminist theory’s values and principals are revolved around equality, social change, education, and advocacy.
I have not had an experience where this theory would apply to a client. There was an instance where a mother was distraught because she believed she was not picked for a promotion because she was a female. This was causing issues at home because of her frustration at work. According to Turner (2017), equal rights feminists believe that to eliminate discrimination, law, and policy changes must be made. Although changes are continuously happening, workplace gender bias still occurs on a regular basis.
The feminist theory believes in equal rights for all. Although the mother was not my client, this conversation began because it was a root of where a lot of her frustration was coming from and she felt as if she was projecting it onto her daughter. NASW Code of Ethics states “social workers seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs” (National Association of Social Work, 2018). If this was my client, I would encourage her to discuss this issue with HR. If she truly believes this was because of workplace gender bias, it would need to be addressed. I used this issue to start a conversation between the mother and daughter involving their strengths. We discussed goals going forward and the obstacles they have overcome thus far. I felt it was important in a time of struggle, to focus on the positives that had been happening in their life. I used the empowerment theory at the time, to assist the mother and daughter in identifying their strengths and empower them to make changes where they deemed necessary. Many of the values with the feminist theory align with the NASW Code of Ethics.
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