An Examination of Ideologies of Practice in Social Work

This essay delves into the ideologies of practice within social work, using a case study of a family facing separation and its impact on children. The essay explores the application of several key theories, including adultism, child development, critical feminism, and attachment theory, to understand the dynamics and challenges faced by the family members, particularly the children, Ben and Rachael. The analysis examines how these ideologies shape the understanding of the situation, influence decision-making, and provide a framework for social work interventions. The case study highlights the importance of considering children's emotional and psychological well-being in family disputes and emphasizes the role of social workers in navigating complex family dynamics while advocating for the best interests of the children involved. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of using ideologies to avoid biases and promote fairness in social work practices. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of having a decision-making basis in social work to justify any decisions made.

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IDEOLOGIES OF PRACTICE IN SOCIAL WORK
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Introduction
Families are the first place that one feels a sense of belonging and comfort. In a case
of danger, family members are the first people to contact. Likewise, in times of celebrations,
families are the first unions to consider. Often, families are faced with challenges that can
lead to dysfunctions. In cases where parents separate, one or both parents are deceased;
children get exposed to traumatizing situations that hinder proper growth and development
(Felitti et al. 2019). In this case, it is evident that the breaking of Bill and Jane’s family has
created dents in their children’s life. The children are often disturbed by the situation, and
they feel insecure in life. Their parent’s disagreements have a negative impact on their
children physical and psychological growth. The situation can, however, be discussed under
different theories.
Adultism theory
The adultism theory explains the power that adults have over the children. The
children, in this case, are weak, and all the decisions lie on the hand of the adults. The adults
can, therefore, take advantage of the children and oppress them (Desai, 2018). The theory
brings out the expression of adultism under prejudice, violence, discrimination, abuses,
systematic oppression, and social control. The children thoughts and behaviors are controlled
like robots by adults (Desai, 2018). In this case, Jane (the mother) has made the children (Ben
and Rachael) believe that their father is violent and that he wanted to kill her. The children
were younger at the time of alleged action, and they hear the stories from their grandmother
and their mother, though they have never witnessed the father’s violent acts. She further,
accuses Bill of sexually molesting the children, though this cannot be proven. The children
believe that their father is mean and is not caring. Ben recalls that their father used to lock
them up with his sister Rachael and smacking them too. This shows that the father was trying

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to restrict their movement, which could annoy the children. This incidence could make the
children believe all the negative things they are told about their father are true, with no need
of proving the situation to them.
Based on this theory, the parents are using their power to control the children thinking
and to try and win in the situation (Honig, 2016).On the other hand, Bill’s action of locking
the children up and smacking them expresses his power over them since they cannot fight
back. Rachael doesn’t even wish to see her father, and Ben feels unsafe also visiting his
father. Based on this situation, it becomes best for children to stay with their mother for it is
safe for them, as compared to their father who becomes moody quickly as expressed by their
grandmother (Ruby).
Child development theory
Child development theories explain the stages and areas of childhood development.
The children develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Children growth and
development is best in a comfortable environment, away from unnecessary anxieties
(Keenan, Evans& Crowley, 2016). Their behavior development also depends on their family
relationships, age, and individual temperaments. Children should not be viewed as “small
versions of adults,” but they should be considered as humans with emotions too (Zimmer-
Gembeck et al. 2017). In this case, Ben and Racheal are at the age bracket where children are
eager to learn various things. It is a crucial stage for proper growth and development. The
parent's support and cooperation is vital in all aspects of growth and development (Cabrera,
Volling, and Barr, 2018). In this situation, Ben and Rachael are raised in a family where their
parents are not in good terms. Ben has developed asthma, reflux, and nightmares. This is
however, not common to children at their age. He has also developed somatic behaviours,
which his mother attributes to sexual abuses by his father.

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On the other hand, Rachael is said to have had a very bad flux in her infancy. This
situation clearly shows that children’s growth and development is affected. Their physical,
emotional, and cognitive development is engulfed with fear, terror, which is evident in Ben’s
nightmares and Rachael’s wish not to meet her father. Ben is also scared of being watched
through the window and of visiting the backyard with fear of being grabbed. This threatens
his social development as he is afraid of going out. According to this theory, the mother
should take responsibility for their children’s emotions for better growth and development
(Pishva, 2017).
Critical feminism theory
Critical feminism theory analyses gender inequalities. It explains different fields such
as discrimination, oppression, stereotyping, and contemporary art (Durbin, Page, and Walby,
2017). The theory explains that men are the dominant gender and are empowered by society’s
practices to oppress women (Adams, 2015). In this case, Bill is living with Jasmine, and he
wants to take his children away from their mother. He uses his power as a man to even
forcibly visit the children. This can be unfair if he wins and takes the children with him.
Ruby and Jane are struggling to make sure that the children needs are catered for. Bill
accuses Jane of pre-programming the children to believe that he is a bad man. He even urges
that Jasmine can get along with the children easily, which justifies his decision to fight to
take the children. This shows that he does not care about Jane; he only needs his children.
According to this theory, Bill’s bid to take the children is a selfish act that is aimed to make
Jane suffer for her decision to separate with him, and should not be considered.
Attachment theory
Attachment theory explains the bond that connects people across distance and time. It
describes that it is not necessarily that the attachment is usually reciprocated back, meaning

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that it can be one way (Gross et al. 2017). Children are attached to their caregivers as they are
the ones that satisfy their needs. This includes feeding and dressing them (Fuertes, Faria,
Beeghly, and Lopes-dos-Santos, 2016). In this situation, Rachael and Ben are attached to
their mother as she takes care of their needs. They feel secure and safe in their mother’s
room, especially when they are afraid. At first, Ben had an emotional attachment with his
father, and that’s why he was torn in between staying with either of the parents during their
separation. At the same time, Bill is attached to his children and is trying to have them close
to him. His desire one day is to clear up things with the children and make them comfortable
to stay with him and provide for them. Based on the attachment theory, the children should
stay with their mother as they are more attached to her (Wallerstein, 2018). At the same time,
they feel safe to sleep in her room, and it becomes their place of refuge when they are
distressed and scared.
Part B
The ideologies are asset or beliefs within a group of people. They usually shape
people’s understanding and action on different occasions (Bailyn, 2017). The case study has
painted a picture of a real-life situation that one may encounter in social work practice.
Tackling the case study based on the ideologies helps one to learn and understand how
decisions can be made in similar situations in social work practice. The ideologies act as a
guideline in the thinking and can be used to justify the decisions that one has made (Drucker,
2017). In the case study, the ideologies have been used to avoid biases. This is because any
decision that is made is backed up by the arguments that the ideologies make. Since they are
justified and accepted as a point of reference in decision making, the ideologies shape the
understanding of the decision maker in different situations. In this case study, everyone could
give a view based on the feelings towards the situation and one’s thinking. This can open
doors for discrimination and stereotyping in making the final decision. This can harm, either

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of the parties that is discriminated against. The ideologies also help to avoid pointing fingers
in social work practices. One cannot lay blame on anybody, as the decision has been made
based on the provided guidelines that are universally acceptable. This will help to minimize
conflicts and misunderstandings between the social workers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, challenges are all over and cannot be avoided. It is evident from the
case study that when families are not at peace, children suffer most as they are young and
depend on their parents for support, safety, and security. It is therefore; best to avoid
situations that act as a threat to children’s growth and development. From the study, one can
learn that different challenging situations can be faced in the future, either in the line of duty
or personal experiences. It is, therefore, better for one to have a basis of decision making to
justify the decision made.

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