SOCW 6060: Social Work Theory and Clinical Practice
Wk 7: Values Underlying Theory and the NASW Code of Ethics
Select feminist theory or empowerment theory. Summarize the underlying
principles and values of the theory in 3 to 4 brief sentences.
According to Turner, 2017 empowerment theory is a social process that assists
individuals in gaining control and fostering power over their own lives and
environment. This theory promotes self-efficacy, consciousness, personal
responsibility, dual perspective, and a reduction in self-blame. It increases the
person’s self-esteem, assist with resources, and helps them face different situations
on their own. Empowerment theory is focused on the oppression faced by members
of society and assists them with recognizing their own ability to resolve problems.
Analyze the extent to which the underlying principles and values of the
theory are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics in 3 to 4 brief
sentences.
Based on the NASW Code of Ethics, the empowerment theory aligns well because it
allows social workers based on section 1.02 Self-Determination respect and
promote the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to
identify and clarify their goals. Working with clients under this the empowerment
theory and linking it to the NASW Code of Ethics allows for social workers to utilize
the empowerment method for clients to see their self-worth and focus on the
environment they are naturally in within the community. Empowerment theory is
focused on the oppression faced by members of society and assists them with
recognizing their own ability to resolve problems. This approach fits well with
the NASW Code of Ethics; parts of the code are focused on both social
justice as well as client’s right to self-determination.
Briefly describe a client from your fieldwork experience and their
presenting problem in 2 to 3 sentences using the theory you selected.
When I reflect on my field work experience, I encounter many clients who are
experiencing different barriers in life. One case that stuck out the most to me was a
20-year-old client who was experiencing social anxiety functioning due to his
weight, his overall health was compromised, and his family abandoned him due to
his alcoholism. My role was to conduct the intake process and discuss with him the
order in which he wants to prioritize his issues. An intervention I recommended was
to attend meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These meetings provide peer-led
workshops and discussion groups which can greatly enhance a client’s self-worth
and determination. The dignity to be able to not only help themselves to stop
drinking but also help another alcoholic individual who is struggling as well is
proved great satisfaction. The satisfaction in helping others is shared by the other
peers in the group thus empowering both individuals and improving chances for a
change.
Empowerment theory is focused on the oppression faced by members of
society and assists them with recognizing their own ability to resolve
problems. This approach fits well with the NASW Code of Ethics; parts of
the code are focused on both social justice as well as client’s right to self-
determination. By using empowerment theory and following the NASW
Code of Ethics,
Identify one ethical standard from the NASW Code of Ethics that would
apply to the client you described. Explain how the theory is consistent
with the work you did with the client and the ethical standard.
My approach using Empowerment Theory is consist with NASW ethical standards.
Empowerment theory is important in the line of work we do and parallel with ethical
standards because it provides intervention and help clients believe they can do
what they set their minds to. One ethical standard that applies to this case is the
commitment to clients. When assessing the client’s needs my responsibility is to
promote the well-being of client, by placing his interests as primary.
References
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National
Association of Social Workers.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
Turner, F.J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches
(6th ed.) Oxford University Press
RESPONSES
Explain how theories help inform social work competencies related to
engaging with diversity and difference and advancing human rights and
social, economic, and environmental justice.
To empower means “to give power or authority to; to give ability to, enable, permit”
(Turner, 2017, p. 148). Empowerment theory in social work assumes that
oppression is structurally based, and that people are fully capable of solving
problems and moving beyond them. When working from an empowerment
approach, social workers promotion reflection, thinking, and problem solving; social
workers emphasize a person-in-environment approach when working from this
perspective (Turner, 2017). It has been argued that the social work profession is an
empowering profession, which is proven by several ethical principles and standards
in the NASW Code of Ethics. One ethical principal, social justice, states that social
workers pursue change and are focused on the issues of vulnerable and oppressed
individuals. Ethical standard 1.02, self-determination, states that social workers
respect and promote the rights of clients and their right to self-determination
(National Association of Social Workers, 2017). As empowerment theory is focused
on how to best help oppressed individuals and also stresses individual’s ability to
empower themselves, these parts of the Code of Ethics fit very well with
empowerment theory.
RESPONSE1
I think the application of feminist theory with strength approach is the way to go to
empower your client. Feminist theory helps inform social work competencies since it
deals with social justice. As Turner (2017) mentions, social workers that use feminist
theory have practice skills that help them “function in an explicitly feminist way to
make visible and conscious the negative effects of patriarchy and to develop
alternative narratives in individuals and communities, to provide for alternative
expressions of social relationships.” (p. 197) Feminist theory also deals with
advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice since
feminist theory seeks gender equality and adequately addresses oppression.
Turner, F.J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches
(6th ed.) Oxford University Press
