Social Work Theories and Ethical Principles

Key Concepts in Social Work and Theory

Ideology: A science of how the world is formed; based on this, we develop religious beliefs and the policies that underlie our attitudes.

Perspective: A particular way of observing the world.

Theory: A way to explain the world and its components.

Person: Beings capable of thinking and acting rationally and autonomously.

Respect: Active sympathy toward another living person.

Model: A classification and description of part of the world, possessing less power than a theory.

Theoretical Frameworks and Definitions

• A model is a descriptive classification which contains less power than an explanatory theory.
• Value assumptions can only be identified in comprehensive theories and perspectives.
• People who use social care services are called users.
• Human beings able to think and act rationally are called self-determined persons.
• The concept of respect can be seen as an active sympathy for another human being.
• Equality of treatment requires us to distribute resources as widely as possible; this is the principle of justice.
• The principle of utility requires us to produce as much good as possible.
• The vision that offers a particular way of observing the known world is a perspective.
• There are four comprehensive theories: psychodynamic, behavioral, systemic/ecological, and cognitive.
• If a person has a right, at least one other person has a duty toward them.

Malcolm Payne’s 1991 Classification of Theories

Theories can be classified into four categories:

• Comprehension Theories
• Application Theories
• Specific Theories
• Outlook Theories

Two important ideas that constitute a theory in this context are the unconscious and psychic determinism.

True or False: Professional Practice and Ethics

1. False: The concepts of "user" and "customer" are the most appropriate for social work. Reason: They are not always the most appropriate.
2. True: A competent professional recognizes and maintains a balance between duties.
3. False: Both Kantian and Utilitarian theories do not conceive of people as individuals free to choose. Reason: Both theories consider individuals free to make their own decisions.
4. True: The concept of a "right" is defined as a valid demand.
5. False: According to Payne, the two relevant ideas in psychodynamic theories are psychological indeterminism and the unconscious. Reason: The correct ideas are determinism and the unconscious.
6. False: Behavioral social work focuses on observable behavior, and perspective theories are used to analyze and change behavior. Reason: It utilizes learning theory.
7. False: Systems theory is formed by the system of theories and clients. Reason: It consists of the customer system and the target system.
8. True: Users have the right to be included as people, citizens, and consumers.
9. False: Under professional management, social work can be classified into positive and negative. Reason: It is classified as reflective and defensive.
10. False: Social work is embedded in an institutional framework of rights and duties defined only by law. Reason: It is defined by both the law and the institutional code of ethics.