University Assignment: Reflection on Social Work Theories and Models

This report reflects on the diverse landscape of social work theories, exploring various approaches such as psychodynamic practice, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and the systems and ecological perspective. The assignment delves into the core principles of each theory, highlighting their applications in addressing social issues and supporting beneficiaries. The report emphasizes the importance of multicultural sensitivity and anti-oppressive approaches, particularly within the context of Australia's diverse population. The author argues that understanding cultural and ethnic differences is crucial for social workers to effectively identify needs and design appropriate interventions, advocating for an approach that prioritizes equity, human rights, and social justice in alignment with the core values of social work, emphasizing care and support.

Running head: REFLECTION ON SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Reflection on Social Work Theories
Student’s name
University
Author’ note

1REFLECTION ON SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Social work revolves around the core concept of care and support. The central aim of
social work is to provide support for those who are in need of assistance. However, it is often an
issue of major altercations that in which way should a social worker extend support. In response
to this, this is contended that social work is carried out as informed by both theoretical and
pragmatic approaches. However, there is no single theory that can be considered as ideal for such
works. According to Payne (2014), modern theories of social work can be listed under 10 major
categories.
The psychodynamic practices are a distinct approach of social work that emphasizes the
significance of individual feelings and internal conflicts in resolving the problems they face. The
underpinning philosophies of psychodynamic theory are determinism and individualism, and it
explains human behaviours as determined by individual psychology.
Crisis intervention and task centred practice is also another important tool of social work,
as it offers brief and structures models of intervention. This practical approach gives priority to
the problems identified by the patient themselves and designs interventions and treatments for
them. This indicates the respect and commitment the approach shows for the patients, which is
an important aspect of social work in the form of working alliance with the beneficiaries.
The cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), on the other hand, is one of the most
prominent theories of social work, which emphasizes the development of rational management
of the beneficiaries’ behaviour. It is supported by cognitive theory, social learning theory and
behaviourism.

2REFLECTION ON SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Systems and ecological ideas of social work aim to integrate interpersonal interventions
of individuals with intervention involving families, communities and other social agencies.
Social development and social pedagogy approach, on the other hand, emphasizes social and
educational interventions to beneficiaries, rather than behavioural.
Humanistic practice, as opposed to the former theories, considers humanism,
spiritualisms and existentialism as its grounding principles in interpreting human experience and
aims to enhance personal development, whereas empowerment and advocacy approach enable
social workers to build alliances that facilitate a greater opportunity to beneficiaries to
understand and enhance their lives.
The most significant theories in the field of modern social work can be identified as
critical practice, feminist practice and anti-oppressive, multicultural sensitivity approach. Critical
practice and feminist practice is informed by critical philosophy and feminist philosophy
respectively. However, as an aspiring social worker, the perspective that appeals me the most is
anti-oppressive, multicultural sensitivity approach.
Australia is home to different ethnicities and indigenous communities. Hence,
multicultural sensitivity is essential to understand the cultural and social identities of the
beneficiaries, and support them overcoming the cultural barriers. Practices informed by this
theory will enable social workers to respect ethnic differences and respond effectively to
dominant social groups. Cultural and ethnic differences essentially have a significant impact on
people’s social experience and personal development. Hence, an understanding of cultural and
ethnic identities will help the social workers identify their respective needs and designing
interventions for them. This approach is an effective tool to ascertain equity, human rights and

3REFLECTION ON SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
social justice. Also, considering the core elements of social work, i.e. care and support, this
approach serves as an appropriate theoretical framework for social work, as aligned with the
contemporary demands of social issues in a global world.

4REFLECTION ON SOCIAL WORK THEORIES
Reference
Payne, M. (2014). Modern Social Work Theory: Vol. Fourth edition. Palgrave Macmillan.