Chapter 2 Chapter Overview & Learning Objectives

Chapter Summary

This chapter examines the key theoretical perspectives that have informed social work thinking and practice over time. The chapter begins with a discussion of the role of theory in social work. It explores theory’s multiple meanings and definitions, and addresses why theories are useful, their limitations, and the process of selecting theories to guide our practice. It then moves on to the issues of power and politics within the development of theory in social work, addressing privilege and its influence on various aspects of theory.

The chapter then summarizes key theoretical perspectives in social work. The first theoretical perspective examined is ecosystem theories. This section begins with a discussion of Mary Richmond’s early analysis of social work practice. It then moves into an examination of general systems theory and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory of development and discusses their adaptation to social work, including assessment and the use of eco-maps.

This is followed by a discussion of four theoretical perspectives that are grouped metaphorically into onion-peeling theories, faulty-engine theories, storytelling theories, and mountain-moving theories. These four metaphorical distinctions are intended to capture the essential character of each cluster of theoretical ideas, and are inspired by the work of Connolly and Harms (2012). The first of these perspectives, onion-peeling theories, discusses the role of the past in the present, inner drives and motivations, organization of the inner self, developmental stages, attachment, person-centred approaches, trauma-informed social work practice, and the therapeutic relationship. The second perspective, faulty-engine theories, discusses behavioural approaches, cognitive-behavioural theories, and challenging cognition and reframing. The third perspective, storytelling theories, discusses the origins of this approach as well as strength-based and narrative ways of working, including the use of narrative therapy and solution-focused therapy. The fourth, mountain-moving theories, discusses feminist theories, anti-oppressive practice (AOP), critical race theory and the importance of intersectionality, structural social work, and Indigenous approaches to social work practice. The importance of partnership, empowerment, and participation in social work is further explored.

The chapter concludes by addressing the key interconnections between theory and practice and the role of critical reflexive practice in helping to ensure that they remain intertwined.

Learning Objectives

The goal of this chapter is to do the following:

1. Examine the role of theory in social work practice.
2. Explore the process and implications of selecting a particular theoretical perspective.
3. Introduce major theoretical perspectives in social work.
4. Highlight each theoretical perspective’s practical application.
5. Identify each theoretical perspective’s strengths and limitations.
6. Underscore the vital interconnection between theory and practice and the role of critical reflexive practice in ensuring this ongoing interconnection.