Post-Structuralism and Macro Social Work Practice

Modern versus Postmodern

Refers to time frames, but also certain beliefs that have been categorized as either modern or postmodern.

Positivist versus Interpretivist

(Overly simplified descriptions) Positivism focuses on objective facts and scientific methods, while interpretivism emphasizes subjective understanding and social context.

Modern Thinking in Therapy

Professional as expert, goal is often to describe, explain, predict and change behaviour of clients. Believes in grand narratives.

Postmodern Thinking in Therapy

There is no universal truth and there is no expert- therapy is collaborative. Rejects the idea of grand narratives.

A Grand Narrative

Can be understood as a means to explain the nature of human existence, history and culture, providing a comprehensive and unified view of reality.

Power (Post-Structuralism)

Encourages a way of looking at the world that challenges accepted 'truth' and 'knowledge', emphasizing that power is relational, fluid and dynamic.

Discourse

Language and communication are not neutral tools but are inherently imbued with power dynamics and ideology.

Social Constructionism

Reality is constructed through one's interactions with society and culture.

Subjectivities

Individual identities are constructed through discourse and can be multiple and contradictory depending on context.

Culture

Is inseparable from meaning and influences how we understand truth.

Decentering the Authoritarian Voice

Focuses on different modes of interpretation rather than seeking the one right interpretation.

Rejecting Binaries

Works to deconstruct the creation of dominant/normative qualities or identities.

Self-Concept Influence

Your self-concept will influence everything you do, impacting interpretations and understandings.

Post-Structuralism Overview

Focuses on understanding power as relational, fluid, and dynamic, tracing back the history of knowledge.

Foucault's Challenge

Challenged what we thought we knew about 'power'.

Biopower

Refers to bio-political forms of power, the ability of actors to realize their will in social action.

Power (Max Weber)

Power is the ability of someone or some group to get their own way, even against opposition.

Luke's Model of Power

Includes coercion and controlling agendas, affecting who is included or excluded from conversations.

Coercive Power

Involves the threat of harm and other consequences, such as withholding necessities.

Controlling Agendas

Determines who can contribute to discussions and who gets to attend important meetings.

Power

Ability to influence others' perceptions and actions.

Coercion

Forcing compliance through threats or intimidation.

Reward

Offering incentives to encourage desired behavior.

Legitimacy

Acceptance of authority based on perceived rightfulness.

Knowledge

Information that empowers individuals or groups.

Reference

Influence based on personal admiration or respect.

Informational Power

Control through access to valuable information.

Macro Social Work Practice

Focus on large-scale social issues affecting communities.

Social Problem

Condition negatively impacting quality of life for many.

Problem Centered Approach

Identifying and addressing specific social issues.

Systems Perspective

Analyzing problems within interconnected social systems.

Strengths Perspective

Focus on inherent strengths of individuals and communities.

Collaboration

Working together with clients for effective solutions.

Ecological Theory

Emphasizes relationships between individuals and environments.

Interdependence

Mutual reliance among individuals and their environments.

Systems Theory

Understanding social issues through formal and informal systems.

Integrative Approach

Combining various theories and methods in practice.

Bi-Polar Disorder

Mental health condition causing extreme mood swings.

Community Psychiatric Nurse

Healthcare professional providing mental health support at home.

Mental Health Team

Group of professionals supporting individuals with mental health issues.

Caregiver

Individual providing care and support to another person.

Social Work Values

Principles guiding social work practice, like dignity and respect.

Assessment of Strengths

Evaluating positive attributes to inform support strategies.

Coping

Managing stress and adapting to challenging situations.

Self-Determination

Empowering individuals to make their own choices.

Isolation

State of being separated from social interactions.

Community Support

Resources and assistance provided by local networks.

Coursework

Academic work required for educational progress.