Social Work Theories

Running Head: SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Social Work Theories
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Running Head: SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Question 1
Diana, a trans-woman is facing a lot of challenges in trying to live with her parents and the
society at large. Queer theory also known as critical social work theory is the best theory for this
scenario. The theory says that whatever gender one grew up believing, is the gender that one
should take regardless of the changes that occur. Each person has a certain behavior that is
associated with both male and female and thus no one possesses a given identity (Sorry
Sigmund, 2011). Diana’s parents are using this to stick with the name Darmien that was given to
her during birth. This theory has been selected as it focuses on the behavior that a person
develops while growing. This may be in terms of sex, language or even behavior which one did
not possess during birth. When Diana was born, she was given a male name but later on
developed a behavior that is associated with the female sex and ended up changing her name to
Diana.
The trans-inclusive social work theory is also important in helping Diana value her
identity as it puts more emphasis on the benefits of physical expressions in identifying the gender
and sexuality of a person. This theory focuses on the physical presentation of a person that
makes it easy to identify a person as either male or female. This theory has been chosen for this
case study as Diana uses it to dress like a lady yet she grew up knowing that she was male.
As a social worker, it is important to use the recovery model of mental health to help
Diana regain her courage and normal mental condition. The Recovery model puts more emphasis
on a person suffering from a mental illness rather than the illness itself. Through this model
Diana will be able to get a sense of hope and belief in her identity.

Running Head: SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Question 2
The critical social work theory has contributed to the current state of life that Randal
lives. It puts more emphasis on the different social injustices and social problems as opposed to
an individual problem. This has made Randal to stop using one leg and also live under a bridge
as the society has decided to stop helping individuals and focus on the society. This theory fits
this case study as it emphasizes on the need to solve social problems that face the whole society
instead of focusing on the people that make it. Randal does not have a person to turn to for
assistance and has ended up living in the streets alone. Had he joined a particular group in the
society, it would be easier to get help from the community and the government.
The cognitive behavior theory can also be used to explain why Randal is an alcoholic.
This theory suggests that a person might have mental problems by sticking on two different ideas
or beliefs. The person ends up undertaking an activity that is against their own beliefs yet they
cannot avoid doing it. This theory has been put into use in this case study because Randal
believes that the heavy drinking does not affect him and that is why he drinks heavily. Randal
knows the consequences of excessive drinking but yet he follows a different road and decides to
drink as much as he wants to. This is according to the cognitive behavior theory.
A cognitive behavior therapy will greatly assist him in changing his ways and turning
back into a good citizen that he was. This approach puts more emphasis in changing the way a
person thinks or behaves in order to remove the challenges that have set in (Ben Martin, 2018).
The negative effects of heavy drinking can be used to make Randal change this habit as they will
be clearly explained out to him.