KALINGA STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK

THEORIES OF PERSPECTIVE IN SOCIAL WORK

Module 6

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
 Manifest understanding on the knowledge base of social work

Introduction:

The field of social work is complex and multifaceted, requiring professionals to have a
deep understanding of various theories and perspectives. These theories provide
frameworks for social workers to analyze and address the issues that individuals,
families, and communities face.
In this module, we will explore four important theories of perspective in social work:
Systems theory, Structural Functionalism, Ecological Theory, and Critical theory.

1.Systems Theory:
- Systems theory, also known as the ecological systems perspective, views individuals
as part of larger systems. This theory emphasizes the interconnectedness and
interdependence between individuals and their environments.
- Social workers applying systems theory consider the various systems that impact an
individual's life, such as family, community, and societal systems. They strive to understand
how these systems influence each other and the individual, and how changes in one system
can affect the others.

2. Structural Functionalism:
- Structural Functionalism is a perspective that examines society as a whole, focusing on
how different social structures and institutions function together to maintain social order.
-Social workers using this theory look at the roles and functions of various social
institutions, such as education, healthcare, and government, in promoting well-being and
addressing social issues. They analyze how these institutions interact and impact individuals
and communities, aiming to identify areas of dysfunction and propose interventions to
improve overall social functioning.
3. Ecological Theory:
- Ecological Theory, also known as the person-in-environment perspective,
emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals within their social and
environmental contexts.
- Social workers adopting this theory recognize that an individual's well-being is
influenced by their interactions with their physical, social, and cultural environments.
They assess the strengths and challenges present in these environments and work
collaboratively with individuals to enhance their ability to navigate and thrive within
their unique ecological systems.

4. Critical Theory:
- Critical Theory takes a critical stance towards social structures and systems, aiming
to challenge and transform oppressive structures that perpetuate inequality and
injustice.
- Social workers employing this theory analyze power dynamics, social norms, and
cultural beliefs to identify and challenge systemic barriers that marginalize certain
individuals and communities. They advocate for social justice and strive to empower
individuals and communities to address and overcome social inequalities.

**It is important to note that these theories are not mutually exclusive, and social workers
often integrate elements from multiple theories in their practice. They assess each
situation individually and apply the theories that best fit the needs of the individuals or
communities they are working with.

**Remember, social work is a dynamic field, constantly evolving to meet the needs of a
changing society. As future social workers, it is crucial to continue learning and exploring
these theories, adapting them to new contexts, and critically evaluating their
effectiveness in promoting positive social change.
 Activity:
Instruction: On a clean sheet of bond paper, make an illustration of the different theories
using the suggested descriptions provided. You can also do your research.

1. Systems Theory: Visualize a web of interconnected circles representing different

systems (family, school, workplace, etc.) with arrows indicating the flow of influence and
interactions between them.

2. Structural Functionalism: Depict a well-functioning society as a puzzle, with each piece

representing a social institution, fitting together harmoniously to create a stable and
functional whole.

3. Ecological Theory: Create a visual representation of an individual at the center of

concentric circles, each representing a different environmental system (microsystem,
mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem) that influences the individual's development.

4. Critical Theory: Showcase a visual of individuals breaking free from chains or barriers
symbolizing oppressive structures, with words like "equality," "justice," and
"empowerment" surrounding them.

Theory Illustration Rubric:

Criteria 20 - Exemplary 15 - Proficient 10 - Developing 5 - Novice

Student's illustration Student's illustration

Student's illustration
demonstrates Student's illustration demonstrates basic
demonstrates limited
comprehensive demonstrates good understanding of the
understanding of the four
Knowledge and understanding of all four understanding of the four four theories of
theories of perspective in
understanding theories of perspective in theories of perspective in perspective in social
social work. Inaccurate
social work. Accurate social work. Mostly accurate work. Partially accurate
representation or no
representation and clear and adequately explained. and explanations lack
explanation.
explanation. clarity.

Student's illustration
Student's illustration is Student's illustration
Student's illustration is shows some creativity,
highly creative and visually lacks creativity and visual
creative and visually but lacks originality or
Creativity engaging. Unique and appeal. Mundane or
appealing. Interesting visual appeal. Somewhat
imaginative depiction of uninteresting depiction
depiction of chosen theories. ordinary depiction of
chosen theories. of chosen theories.
chosen theories.

Student's illustration is
Student's illustration is Student's illustration is Student's illustration is
somewhat disorganized
well-organized and exhibits organized and demonstrates disorganized and lacks
Organization and lacks clarity. Partially
exceptional clarity. Logical clarity. Mostly logical and clarity. Confusing or
and Clarity logical and coherent
and coherent presentation coherent presentation of incoherent presentation
presentation of chosen
of chosen theories. chosen theories. of chosen theories.
theories.

Student's illustration displays Student's illustration

Student's illustration Student's illustration
good technical skill. Use of displays basic technical
displays exceptional lacks technical skill. Poor
artistic elements enhances skill. Adequate use of
Technical Skill technical skill. Use of use of artistic elements,
overall presentation, with artistic elements, with
artistic elements enhances resulting in a subpar
minor flaws or noticeable flaws or
overall presentation. presentation.
inconsistencies. inconsistencies.
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