Chapter 5 Chapter Overview & Learning Objectives

Chapter Summary

This chapter introduces students to foundational principles of social work practice with groups and communities. A variety of theoretical perspectives applicable to social work with groups, corresponding to categories presented in-depth in Chapter 2, are discussed. Students will learn to identify how each approach contributes to supporting social work practice with groups.

After a historical overview of social work practice with groups and communities, the first section discusses the ways in which social work practice with groups is traditionally approached, with groups falling primarily into the categories of treatment groups and task groups. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the types of treatment groups (e.g., support groups, self-help groups, talking/sharing circles, psychoeducational groups, therapy groups, socialization groups) and task groups (e.g., teams, staff development groups, committees, social action groups), as well as different group structures and models of facilitation. Tuckman’s stages of group development are examined, followed by a discussion of skills and strategies social workers need to effectively lead and facilitate groups.

The second section provides an overview of different approaches to community-based social work practice. Community practice principles and frameworks informing community development from multiple perspectives are presented, including Rothman’s (1968, 1995) three modes of community social work practice: locality development, social planning, and social action. The interconnections between social action groups and community-based practice are highlighted. Alternative community practice frameworks are also introduced, including consensus organizing and Boehm and Cnaan’s practice-based approach.

Woven throughout the chapter are illustrations of the ways in which personal and professional values shape work with groups and communities. The chapter also includes information about further resources to help social workers engaged in group-based and community-focused practice.

Learning Objectives

The goal of this chapter is to do the following:

1. Outline different types of social work with groups and communities.
2. Identify how process and structure affect social work with groups and communities.
3. Understand the theoretical models underlying group and community practice.
4. Examine factors that shape group leadership and facilitation.
5. Appreciate how purpose guides group membership, interactions, and dynamics in group and community work.