THEORIES OF POWER

Explain How Theories of Power can Inform Social Work Practice

Theories of Power in Social Work Practice

Introduction

Social work practice is a practical job; it is all about protecting people and changing their lives at community level. Theories of social work focus on the relationship between two or more individuals. Power theory of social work is not dependent on the qualities and characteristics of individuals, although these terms are conflated sometimes; theoretically power is different from other relational concepts like force, influence, and authority. Morrison, (2008, pp. 12-16) suggested that power theories of social work cross several epistemological and ideological lines, and factors lead this literature always remains a topic of various debates . Major focus of this paper is to evaluate that how theories of power can inform social work practices and determine that how these theories can help to develop an open and flexible worker who is more committed to defensible rather than using defensive practice.

Discussion

Foucault's Theory of Power in Social Work Practice

Foucault is one of the few authors who recognize the power as not only coercive, repressive or negative thing that forcefully convinces someone to indulge in unwanted activities. According to Foucault theory, power is a positive factor that can bring productivity and development in the society. The theory of Foucault shows the strong relationship of power in social work practice because the social workers must follow the theories of power in order to develop their society (Oak, 2009, pp.90-110).

There are a few models of power that consider the major actors in a bond, for instance social worker and client are failed to understand the significance of a wider context to the development of a bond and relationship of social work. Thus, social workers must focus on the theories of power in order to provide assistance to the society.

Michel Foucault believed that freedom is important for everyone. According to his views, each individual reacts in different ways, in different situations. He believed that every person has the right to react according to his or her own will, this perception of Michel Foucault is correct in order to provide equality to each and every individual irrespective of their caste, race or status. Michel Foucault used his books as a medium to show several facts that collide and interact with his theories and analysis. As an analyst of human relations and as a philosophical historian he emphasized on the archaeological and genealogical knowledge practices and systems (Parton, 2000, pp.449-463). He tracked them through various eras of history, which includes the social contexts that permit variations and changes. In his theory, he described that power reaches in an individual's life, and to some extent power insert itself into their attitudes, their actions, learning processes, their discourses, and their daily lives. Hence, it is true that individual's attitude in every aspect of life can easily be altered by the power. Thus, there is a great influence of power theories in the social work practice.

Like other social scholars and theorists, ...