Theories Help Frame More Than Presenting Problems

Theories Help Frame More Than Presenting Problemsthey Also Frame Soci

Theories help frame more than presenting problems—they also frame social problems, and both types of problems can be linked in relation to client issues. For example, many scholars and social workers have attempted to understand the social problem of poverty. Turner and Lehning (2007) classified various psychological theories to explain poverty under two headings: (1) individual-related theories or (2) structural/cultural-related theories. In other words, think of these two headings as lenses in viewing poverty. In this Discussion, you apply lenses through which to understand a client's problem in relation to social problems.

To prepare: Read this article listed in the Learning Resources: Turner, K., & Lehning, A. J. (2007). Psychological theories of poverty. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 16 (1/2), 57–72. doi:10.1300/J137v16n01-05 Select a theory under the individual-related theories and a theory under the structural/cultural-related theories. Complete the handout “Comparing Individual-Related and Structural/Cultural-Related Theories” to help you craft your response. (Note: You do not need to upload the handout to the Discussion forum.)

The handout is intended to assist you in writing your Discussion post. By Day 3 Post: Describe how a social worker would conceptualize a presenting problem of poverty from 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.

Paper For Above instruction

The problem of poverty is complex and multifaceted, often requiring social workers to adopt various theoretical lenses to understand and address it effectively. Two prominent frameworks—individual-related theories and structural/cultural-related theories—offer contrasting perspectives that influence how social workers conceptualize, approach, and intervene in cases of poverty.

Individual-Related Theories and Conceptualization of Poverty

Individual-related theories focus on personal factors, such as psychological traits, behaviors, and choices, as the primary causes of poverty. For instance, psychosocial or personality theories might suggest that an individual's lack of motivation, poor self-control, or low self-esteem contribute to economic hardship. When a social worker adopts this lens, they view poverty as a result of the client's personal deficits or failures. The social worker might see the client as responsible for their situation and emphasize interventions aimed at behavior change, skills development, or counseling to alter personal traits.

From this perspective, the social worker's approach is often individualized, emphasizing empowerment through enhancing the client’s personal capabilities. Interventions may include job training, educational programs, or therapy to boost self-efficacy. The focus tends to be on changing the client’s attitudes or behaviors to improve their economic status, assuming that if the personal deficits are addressed, poverty can be alleviated.

Structural/Cultural-Related Theories and Conceptualization of Poverty

In contrast, structural and cultural theories attribute poverty to systemic inequities, societal structures, and cultural norms. Structural theories emphasize economic, political, and social institutions that perpetuate inequality—such as lack of access to quality education, discriminatory employment practices, or inadequate social safety nets. Cultural theories might focus on societal values, norms, and cultural practices that influence economic opportunities or social mobility. When a social worker employs this lens, they see poverty as rooted in the organization of society rather than individual shortcomings.

The social worker's approach is systemic, aiming to address the root causes embedded in social policies and structures. Interventions may include advocating for policy changes, community organizing, or working to improve access to resources and opportunities, rather than solely focusing on the individual client. This perspective emphasizes societal reform and structural change to reduce poverty at its source.

Comparison of Approaches and Interventions

The divergence between these two lenses significantly influences how social workers approach clients and their problems. Under the individual-related lens, intervention centers on changing personal behaviors, improving skills, and fostering self-efficacy within the individual. Social workers may focus on counseling, education, and skill development, highlighting personal responsibility and capacity building.

Conversely, the structural/cultural lens prompts social workers to consider external factors beyond the individual's control. Interventions involve systemic advocacy, policy initiatives, and efforts to alter societal conditions that sustain poverty. This approach recognizes that circumstances such as unemployment due to discrimination or inadequate healthcare systems are outside the client's immediate control and require broader social change.

In terms of client approach, the individual lens might lead social workers to work one-on-one, emphasizing motivation and personal agency. The systemic approach requires collaboration with communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders to foster structural change. Both approaches are crucial; however, they differ in scope, focus, and method, with the structural perspective advocating for societal reforms and the individual perspective emphasizing personal transformation.

Conclusion

Understanding poverty through different theoretical lenses is vital for effective social work practice. While individual-related theories highlight personal responsibility and behavioral change, structural/cultural theories emphasize systemic reform to address root causes. Integrating both perspectives allows social workers to design comprehensive interventions that target individual needs and advocate for social justice. Ultimately, effective practice involves recognizing the interplay between personal circumstances and societal factors, aiming for holistic solutions to the multifaceted issue of poverty.

References

• Turner, K., & Lehning, A. J. (2007). Psychological theories of poverty. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 16(1/2), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.1300/J137v16n01-05
• Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education (pp. 241–258). Greenwood.
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