Student number: 0373390

The first 200 words of this essay...

Student number: 0373390

SO2009: Social Work Methods

Assessment task two

Discuss in detail the strengths and limitations of ONE social work method in relation to a specific service user group. In discussing the strengths and limitations of one method you should draw upon relevant theory. Identify the main feature, utilize research evidence and address issues associated with anti racist and anti-oppressive practice. Also briefly compare or contrast your chosen method with one other social work method. You should support your arguments with practice examples.

Social work (SW) is a professional activity wherein practitioners engage in their craft to contribute to policy and practice with a view to reducing inequalities in society and ameliorating the local and personal effects of these on individuals and the community. Theories in SW essentially form practice. In the social sciences theoretical knowledge is contested because different theories offer competing definitions of reality reflecting particular values and ideologies. Hence theories '...have interest groups within social work seeking to influence over our understanding of the nature and practice of social work by gaining acceptance of their 'theory'' (Payne, 1997:2). In fact according to Berger and Luckmann (1966) even our understanding of reality is