Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to
- articulate a working definition of the social work profession;
- apply a social justice lens to the core theoretical perspectives that guide social work practice (ecological systems theory, life model of social work practice, and the empowerment approach);
- apply the sociocultural framework as it relates to relationships among cultures, race/ethnicity, and system disparities in working with client systems;
- apply a meta-systems analysis when working with client systems; and
- integrate principles across the major perspectives that inform contemporary social work practice.
The Council on Social Work Education Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (CSWE-EPAS) Competencies that are highlighted in more depth in this chapter include the following:
2.1.3 Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
2.1.4 Engage diversity and difference in practice.
2.1.5 Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
2.1.6 Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
2.1.7 Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
2.1.9 Respond to contexts that shape practice.
2.1.10 (a–d) Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups,
and organizations.
2.1.4 Engage diversity and difference in practice.
2.1.5 Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
2.1.6 Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
2.1.7 Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
2.1.9 Respond to contexts that shape practice.
2.1.10 (a–d) Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups,
and organizations.