際際滷

際際滷Share a Scribd company logo

Swep iii. sss 571. class 2

Anuar Mustapha
Anuar Mustapha

This document provides an overview of a class on social work theory and the multidimensional approach. It discusses that social work uses a multidimensional approach that considers the interaction between a person's biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions with their environment and how both are shaped by time. The class will cover what constitutes a theory, the purpose of studying human behavior theory, and will discuss theories related to social interaction/environment, human behavior/development, and interventions, including systems theory, attachment theory, and empowerment theory. The document emphasizes that no single theory can address every situation and that theories are socially constructed.

1 of 27
Introduction to Human Behavior & the Social Environment What is social work theory? Class 2
Overview of todays class: What is SWs multidimensional approach? What is human behavior theory? Why do we study theory? How do we critique what we learn? What theories are we going to study in this course? 2SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
What is Social Works Multidimensional Approach to Human Behavior? What does multidimensional mean?
Multidimensional approach is Based on the belief that human behavior is dynamic Developed through internal & external forces Influenced by the interaction of person, environment, & time A person is shaped by an ever changing environment & the environment is shaped by the person Both are shaped by time 4SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
These 3 dimensions include The person biological, psychological, social, & spiritual The environment family, neighborhood, community, social structure, clan, tribe Time constants, trends, cycles, shifts, time orientation, pace of time, life events All 3 dimensions are shaped by our cultures 5SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
What does time include? Constants Changes that move in only one direction, such as age Trends Changes that move in a general direction, but are not constant, such as an increase in the number of women involved in peace-building Cycles Changes that are repetitive, such as the school semester cycle or the crop harvest cycle Shifts Changes that are sudden, such as those caused by death, illness, trauma, natural disaster, & war Time orientation The way we think about time, such as past, present, future This especially depends on our culture 6SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
Person Biological Psychological Spiritual Environment Social Movements Physical Environment Culture Social Institutions & Social Structure Dyads Families Formal Organizations Communities Linear Time Clock Time Event Time SOCIAL WORKS MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH Small Groups Time 7SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
A multidimensional approach recognizes that human behavior develops as a result of many causes & is multidetermined 8SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
What is human behavior theory? What is its purpose? Why do we study it?
First, what is theory? A system of thoughts & interrelated concepts based on inductive & deductive reasoning Includes general propositions expressed as hypotheses which are tested or testable intended to explain or predict phenomena in specific situations 10SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
Theory is different than Paradigm A way of seeing the world Ex: premodern traditional, modern, or postmodern Perspective An emphasis or point of view Ex: social works strengths perspective or person-in-environment perspective Model Operationalizes theory A guide for practitioner action includes concrete actions & techniques Ex: behavioral modification 11SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
What is human behavior theory? A system of thought & interrelated concepts that propose explanations of why the empirical world is the way that it is A framework that helps us organize our thoughts, evaluate & interpret our world, explain & predict behavior 12SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
What is the purpose of human behavior theory for SW? It explains & predicts: individual human behavior (micro) the impact of larger social structures (mezzo) social problems (macro) It guides & informs: social work practice social policy & knowledge development It directs social work research It gives credibility to the profession 13SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
In other words. Theories help us know which way to go & how to get there! 14SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
Whats the connection of theory to empirical research? Theory & research together create the knowledge base of social work Both are needed to understand commonalities between clients & practice situations Both theory & research fit the criteria of being professional 15SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
But, theories of human behavior are socially constructed ideas. That means Theories are shaped by the social world in which they were developed. 16SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
There are many ways of knowing How do we know things Through an appeal from an authority figure, such as a parent, grandparent, imam, or priest Through persistence, which leads to general knowledge Through faith & intuition Through logic or rationalism Through the scientific method 17SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
Theories also develop in this way Through interaction with & observation of the world at large Through scientific testing of theoretical hypotheses Through the logic, rational beliefs, & persistence of the theorists Through the ideas & creativity of great thinkers, such as Einstein or Freud 18SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
Yet, all theories evolve & develop within a socio- historical context influenced by time 19SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
For example theories about what is normal human behavior change from culture to culture, from one historical moment to the next, from one specific interpersonal situation to another, from one persons beliefs to anothers. 20SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
For this reason, it is always important to critique theories To question how the theory developed & who developed it To determine the evidence for the theorys support To evaluate whether the theory is useful for the people we serve & in the situations where we work To assess if the theory is in line with social work values & ethics 21SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
What theories are we going to discuss in this class? Why were they selected?
Theories about interaction in the social environment Especially useful for macro social work practice We will discuss Conflict theory Systems theory Chaos theory 23SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
Theories about human behavior & development Especially useful for micro & mezzo practice We will discuss Contemporary psychodynamic & cognitive theories Attachment theory 24SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
Theories geared toward social work intervention Especially useful for societies in social turmoil & individuals who have experienced trauma We will discuss Trauma theory Empowerment theory 25SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
Remember that A multidimensional approach requires multiple theories There is no one theory that can fit all situations all of the time Attention to diversity & oppression must always be given Theories are evolving, tentative, & socially constructed 26SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
The map is not the territory. --Gregory Bateson There is nothing so practical as a good theory. --Kurt Lewin There is no theory that is not beset with problems. --Karl Popper 27SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011

More Related Content

Swep iii. sss 571. class 2

  • 1. Introduction to Human Behavior & the Social Environment What is social work theory? Class 2
  • 2. Overview of todays class: What is SWs multidimensional approach? What is human behavior theory? Why do we study theory? How do we critique what we learn? What theories are we going to study in this course? 2SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 3. What is Social Works Multidimensional Approach to Human Behavior? What does multidimensional mean?
  • 4. Multidimensional approach is Based on the belief that human behavior is dynamic Developed through internal & external forces Influenced by the interaction of person, environment, & time A person is shaped by an ever changing environment & the environment is shaped by the person Both are shaped by time 4SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 5. These 3 dimensions include The person biological, psychological, social, & spiritual The environment family, neighborhood, community, social structure, clan, tribe Time constants, trends, cycles, shifts, time orientation, pace of time, life events All 3 dimensions are shaped by our cultures 5SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 6. What does time include? Constants Changes that move in only one direction, such as age Trends Changes that move in a general direction, but are not constant, such as an increase in the number of women involved in peace-building Cycles Changes that are repetitive, such as the school semester cycle or the crop harvest cycle Shifts Changes that are sudden, such as those caused by death, illness, trauma, natural disaster, & war Time orientation The way we think about time, such as past, present, future This especially depends on our culture 6SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 8. A multidimensional approach recognizes that human behavior develops as a result of many causes & is multidetermined 8SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 9. What is human behavior theory? What is its purpose? Why do we study it?
  • 10. First, what is theory? A system of thoughts & interrelated concepts based on inductive & deductive reasoning Includes general propositions expressed as hypotheses which are tested or testable intended to explain or predict phenomena in specific situations 10SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 11. Theory is different than Paradigm A way of seeing the world Ex: premodern traditional, modern, or postmodern Perspective An emphasis or point of view Ex: social works strengths perspective or person-in-environment perspective Model Operationalizes theory A guide for practitioner action includes concrete actions & techniques Ex: behavioral modification 11SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 12. What is human behavior theory? A system of thought & interrelated concepts that propose explanations of why the empirical world is the way that it is A framework that helps us organize our thoughts, evaluate & interpret our world, explain & predict behavior 12SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 13. What is the purpose of human behavior theory for SW? It explains & predicts: individual human behavior (micro) the impact of larger social structures (mezzo) social problems (macro) It guides & informs: social work practice social policy & knowledge development It directs social work research It gives credibility to the profession 13SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 14. In other words. Theories help us know which way to go & how to get there! 14SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 15. Whats the connection of theory to empirical research? Theory & research together create the knowledge base of social work Both are needed to understand commonalities between clients & practice situations Both theory & research fit the criteria of being professional 15SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 16. But, theories of human behavior are socially constructed ideas. That means Theories are shaped by the social world in which they were developed. 16SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 17. There are many ways of knowing How do we know things Through an appeal from an authority figure, such as a parent, grandparent, imam, or priest Through persistence, which leads to general knowledge Through faith & intuition Through logic or rationalism Through the scientific method 17SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 18. Theories also develop in this way Through interaction with & observation of the world at large Through scientific testing of theoretical hypotheses Through the logic, rational beliefs, & persistence of the theorists Through the ideas & creativity of great thinkers, such as Einstein or Freud 18SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 19. Yet, all theories evolve & develop within a socio- historical context influenced by time 19SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 20. For example theories about what is normal human behavior change from culture to culture, from one historical moment to the next, from one specific interpersonal situation to another, from one persons beliefs to anothers. 20SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 21. For this reason, it is always important to critique theories To question how the theory developed & who developed it To determine the evidence for the theorys support To evaluate whether the theory is useful for the people we serve & in the situations where we work To assess if the theory is in line with social work values & ethics 21SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 22. What theories are we going to discuss in this class? Why were they selected?
  • 23. Theories about interaction in the social environment Especially useful for macro social work practice We will discuss Conflict theory Systems theory Chaos theory 23SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 24. Theories about human behavior & development Especially useful for micro & mezzo practice We will discuss Contemporary psychodynamic & cognitive theories Attachment theory 24SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 25. Theories geared toward social work intervention Especially useful for societies in social turmoil & individuals who have experienced trauma We will discuss Trauma theory Empowerment theory 25SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 26. Remember that A multidimensional approach requires multiple theories There is no one theory that can fit all situations all of the time Attention to diversity & oppression must always be given Theories are evolving, tentative, & socially constructed 26SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011
  • 27. The map is not the territory. --Gregory Bateson There is nothing so practical as a good theory. --Kurt Lewin There is no theory that is not beset with problems. --Karl Popper 27SWEP III, SBennett, CUA, 2011