Social Work Theories: Marxism and Feminism

Running head: SOCIAL WORK THEORIES: MARXISM AND FEMINISM
Social Work theories: Marxism and Feminism
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1SOCIAL WORK THEORIES: MARXISM AND FEMINISM
The concept and practices of social work is based on many theories and frameworks
that constitutes the whole of it. The theories create the basic understanding, values and
principles of social work while the frameworks provide the processes through which the
practice takes place (Payne, 2014). The practice of social work is based on human behavior,
human development and social systems and constructs. Among the most pervasive theories,
the Marxist theory and the feminist theory are among the two most effective and impactful
for social work practice development. The Marxist theory of conflict creates the basis of
social work (Healy, 2014). It propagates that the conflict between the social classes are the
source of instability in the society and a more equal and distributed societal system is the key
to balanced society. The feminist theory extends this idea of power struggle though the
division here is gender division. This essay summarizes the key aspects of Marxism, the
strengths and weaknesses of the theory and its implication in social work. Similarly, it also
presents the key aspects of feminism, its strengths and weaknesses and its implication on
social work.
Marxist theory is focused on class struggle, distribution of the resources, power
division and inequality. Marx bases his theory on the feudal society where most of the
production was concentrated on the hand of the feudal lords (The Curious Classroom, 2013).
The peasants that produced them were mere means of production and could not enjoy the
surplus. In the industrial era, this division of labor intensified as the factory owners or the
bourgeoisie started to control the resources necessary for production and forced the others to
sell their labors in order to meet their livelihood. The bourgeoisie controlled the profit and
their focus was to increase their profit margin as much as possible. In doing so, they reduced
wages, increased working hours to enhance production. Marx opines that this system of labor
is likely to increase the difference between the two classes and at a certain point the

2SOCIAL WORK THEORIES: MARXISM AND FEMINISM
proletariat or the working class would force a change leading to revolution (CrashCourse,
2017).
The revolution that Marx had forecasted did not take place neither was capitalism
challenged in any way. In this juncture, the Frankfurt school of critical theory was introduced
that explained the phenomena. The theory of Marx was concerned with the basic question
what it means to be free as Marx realized that the human beings are exceptionally entangled
and the moment they disentangle from on constraint they re-entangle with others
(khanacademymedicine, 2013). The conflict theory gives way to the critical social work
theory which focuses on the application of social work perspectives through a critical
approach. Critical theory of social work is designed to address the injustices in the society,
oppression and struggle that are borne out of the theory Marx. This theory positions social
workers as catalyst for change in society and a tool for social order in capitalism. Through
social work, the differences in social class, the concentration of profit and the division of
labor can be reduced.
The Marxist theory has many strengths and limitations in it. The strengths of the
theory is that it seeks to create a truly equal society where the resources are distributed
equally. It places importance on human rights and reducing the gap between the rich and the
poor. It creates the basis of the modern governmental system where every person, irrespective
of their race, gender or any other aspects should get the access to basic necessities of life
(Thompson, 2017). The second strength is that it gives importance to society and social
structures. It does so by the explanation of the conflict between the bourgeoisie and
proletariat. The third strength is that unknowingly, it promotes entrepreneurship. When free
competition enters the market, the monopoly of the capitalists reduce and small businesses
flourish which is reflected in present global scenario. Fourth, it protects the human rights,
tries to reduce the plight of the working class and rights of union.