Social Work Midterm

1. Definition of Theory

A theory is a set of ideas that explain and predict human behavior, social interactions, and systems. In social work, theories help guide understanding and intervention with clients and communities.

2. Theoretical Frameworks in Social Work

  • Systems Theory: People are influenced by and connected to various systems (family, work, community).

  • Psychosocial Theory: Development involves the interaction between personal and social factors.

  • Conflict Theory: Society is shaped by inequality and power struggles.

  • Strengths-Based Approach: Focuses on client abilities, not deficits.

  • Ecological Systems Theory: Emphasizes how environment impacts development.

  • Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP): Challenges systemic inequality.

3. Social Justice

Social justice means ensuring fairness, equality, and human rights for all. It focuses on removing barriers that create oppression or inequality.

4. Person-in-Environment (PIE) Approach

A framework that views individuals within the context of their environment — recognizing how family, culture, community, and systems affect behavior and well-being.

5. Cultural Competence

The ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds by being aware of one’s own biases, understanding cultural differences, and adapting practice appropriately.

6. Ecological Systems Framework

Developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, it explains how individuals are affected by multiple layers of environment:

  • Microsystem: Immediate environment (family, school).

  • Mesosystem: Connections between microsystems.

  • Exosystem: Indirect influences (parent’s job, community services).

  • Macrosystem: Cultural values, laws, societal norms.

  • Chronosystem: Life transitions and historical events over time.

7. Primary Goal/Purpose of Social Work

To enhance human well-being and help meet basic needs, especially for vulnerable or oppressed populations, through advocacy, empowerment, and support.

8. Types of Clients Social Workers Work With

Individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

9. Elizabethan Poor Laws (1601)

Early welfare law dividing people into:

  • Worthy poor: sick, elderly, disabled (received aid).

  • Unworthy poor: able-bodied unemployed (seen as lazy).
    Introduced government responsibility for public welfare but also moral judgment of poverty.

10. Charity Organization Society (COS)

Focused on moral reform and personal responsibility rather than systemic change. Used “friendly visitors” to assess and advise poor families. Laid groundwork for casework but criticized for blaming the poor.

11. Importance of Advocacy

Advocacy ensures clients’ voices are heard, promotes access to resources, and challenges unjust systems.

  • Micro: helping individuals navigate systems.

  • Mezzo: community organizing.

  • Macro: policy reform and social change.

12. Difference Between Prejudice, Discrimination, & Oppression

  • Prejudice: negative beliefs or stereotypes about a group.

  • Discrimination: actions or behaviors that treat people unfairly.

  • Oppression: systemic and institutionalized discrimination embedded in power structures.

13. How Social Workers Respond When Facing Hard Truths

  • Acknowledge systemic injustice and personal bias.

  • Reflect, learn, and engage in self-awareness.

  • Commit to anti-oppressive practice and cultural humility.

14. Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP)

A practice framework that aims to recognize, challenge, and change power imbalances and social inequalities. Focuses on collaboration, empowerment, and inclusion.

15. How Social Work and AOP Relate

Both promote social justice and empowerment. AOP is a deeper, critical approach that explicitly challenges oppression within institutions and society.

16. Difference Between AOP and Traditional Social Work

  • Traditional Social Work: often individual or case-based, may overlook systemic issues.

  • AOP: focuses on power, oppression, and systemic reform alongside individual support.

17. Delivery Method of AOP

Through empowerment, collaboration, education, and advocacy at all levels (micro to macro). Involves active listening, community engagement, and client participation in decision-making.

18. Six Core Social Work Values (NASW)

  1. Service

  2. Social Justice

  3. Dignity and Worth of the Person

  4. Importance of Human Relationships

  5. Integrity

  6. Competence

19. Self-Care as Ethical Responsibility

Social workers must maintain personal well-being to serve clients effectively. Burnout or compassion fatigue can lead to unethical or ineffective practice.

20. Social Work Levels of Practice

  • Micro: individual or family work.

  • Mezzo: groups, schools, organizations.

  • Macro: policy, advocacy, and systems change.

21. Types of Social Work Practice

  • Clinical/Counseling

  • School Social Work

  • Healthcare/Mental Health

  • Community Organization

  • Child Welfare

  • Policy and Advocacy

22. Differences Between Degrees (BSW, MSW, DSW)

  • BSW (Bachelor): generalist practice, entry-level.

  • MSW (Master): advanced practice, specialization (clinical, policy, etc.).

  • DSW/PhD: leadership, teaching, or research roles.

23. Harmful Legacy in Social Work

Past involvement in racism, eugenics, forced sterilization, Indigenous assimilation, and family separation.
Modern social work acknowledges this history and commits to anti-racist, inclusive practice.

24. Central Concept of Social Work

Person-in-Environment (PIE): understanding individuals within their environmental, social, and structural contexts to guide holistic practice.

25. Empowerment Theory

Helps clients gain control, confidence, and access to resources. Focuses on strengths and collaboration, not deficits.

26. Difference Between Values and Ethics

  • Values: beliefs about what is right or important.

  • Ethics: professional rules or principles guiding conduct (NASW Code of Ethics).

27. Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics

  • Defines professional standards and responsibilities.

  • Guides ethical decision-making.

  • Protects clients and upholds integrity of the profession.

28. Ethical Dilemmas

Conflicts between values or responsibilities (e.g., confidentiality vs. client safety).
Social workers use the NASW Code and consultation to make decisions in the client’s best interest.

29. Guiding Principle of Child Welfare Legislation

The best interest of the child, ensuring safety, permanency, and well-being.

30. Key Child Welfare Legislations

  • Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) – defines abuse/neglect, sets reporting standards.

  • Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) – emphasizes child safety and timely permanency.

  • Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) – protects Native American families and culture.

  • Foster Care Independence Act (1999) – supports older youth transitioning out of foster care.

31. Privacy Laws and Regulations

  • HIPAA: protects health information.

  • FERPA: protects educational records.

  • Confidentiality: must be maintained unless there’s danger to the client or others, or legal obligation to disclose.

32. Human Rights

There are 30 universal human rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), including rights to life, liberty, education, and freedom from discrimination.
Social work aligns practice with these universal principles.

33. Ecomap

A visual diagram showing a client’s social and environmental systems.
Key elements:

  • Center circle: the client or family.

  • Surrounding circles: systems (family, work, school, community, etc.).

  • Lines:

    • Solid = strong connection

    • Dashed = weak

    • Zigzag = stressful/conflicted

  • Arrows = direction of energy or support flow.

Used for assessment and understanding support networks.

✅ Final Study Tips

  • Memorize six NASW values and 30 human rights.

  • Know how to apply PIE, empowerment, and AOP to real-life case examples.

  • Be able to draw and label an ecomap accurately.

  • Review ethical decision-making process and core legislations.

  • Understand system levels (micro, mezzo, macro) and how interventions differ.