SOCW 6361 Walden University Individual vs Structuralc Ultural Theories Discussion
ANSWER
. Individual-Related Lens: When using an individual-related lens, social workers emphasize the client’s personal attributes, behaviors, and experiences as primary contributors to their marginalization. For example, if a client is facing unemployment and homelessness, a social worker using this lens may look at factors like the client’s education, job skills, employment history, and personal choices.
Conceptualization: In this perspective, the presenting problem is viewed as a result of the individual’s choices, skills, and circumstances. The client’s marginalization is seen as a consequence of their actions or lack thereof, possibly due to issues such as low motivation or poor decision-making.
Approach and Intervention: Social workers using this lens may employ therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy to address the client’s individual challenges. They may work on skill-building, goal-setting, and behavior modification to help the client overcome their barriers.
Strength and Limitation: Strength: This lens can empower individuals to take control of their lives and make positive changes. It allows for a personalized approach tailored to the client’s specific needs and issues.
Limitation: It tends to overlook systemic and structural factors that may be significant contributors to the client’s marginalization. It may inadvertently blame the victim and not address the root causes of the problem.
2. Structural/Cultural-Related Lens: In contrast, when using a structural/cultural-related lens, social workers focus on systemic, cultural, and societal factors that contribute to the client’s marginalization. For instance, if a client faces unemployment and homelessness, this lens would explore issues like economic inequality, discrimination, and housing policies.
Conceptualization: The presenting problem is seen as a result of structural issues and barriers, not solely the client’s individual choices. The client’s marginalization is understood as a consequence of societal inequalities and oppressive systems.
Approach and Intervention: Social workers using this lens may engage in advocacy, community organizing, and policy change efforts to address the root causes of the client’s problems. They may also provide support and empowerment to help the client navigate the systemic barriers they face.
Strength and Limitation: Strength: This lens recognizes and addresses the systemic and structural factors that perpetuate marginalization. It allows social workers to advocate for broader societal changes that can benefit not only the client but also others facing similar issues.
Limitation: It may be less individualized and may not immediately alleviate the client’s immediate concerns. Structural change takes time, and clients may need more immediate assistance.
In summary, the choice of theoretical lens (individual-related or structural/cultural-related) significantly influences how a social worker conceptualizes, approaches, and intervenes in a presenting problem related to structural issues or barriers contributing to a client’s marginalization. While the individual-related lens focuses on personal attributes and choices, the structural/cultural-related lens emphasizes systemic factors and societal inequalities. Each approach has its strengths and limitations, and social workers must consider which lens is most appropriate based on the client’s unique circumstances and the broader context of their marginalization.
Question Description
I’m working on a social science discussion question and need support to help me learn.
Describe how a social worker would conceptualize a presenting problem related to structural issues or barriers that contribute to a client’s marginalization using the two theories you selected.
- Explain how this conceptualization differs from an individual-related versus a structural/cultural-related theoretical lens.
- Compare how the two theoretical lenses differ in terms of how the social worker would approach the client and the problem and how the social worker would intervene.
- Identify one strength and one limitation you may encounter when employing an individual-related theory and a structural/cultural-related theory to formulating interventions for structural issues or barriers that contribute to a client’s marginalization.
Fill in the order form and submit all your files, including instructions, rubrics, and other information given to you by your instructor.
Once you complete filling the forms, complete your payment. We will get the order and assign it to a writer.
When your order is completed, it’s assigned to an editor for approval. The editor approves the order.
Once approved, we will upload the order to your account for you to download. You can rate your writer or give your customer review.
