Theories Help Frame More Than Presenting Problems They Also

Theorieshelp Frame More Than Presenting Problemsthey Also Frame Socia

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 will apply these lenses to understand a client's problem in relation to social problems.

To prepare: Read the article by Turner and Lehning (2007) titled “Psychological theories of poverty” in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Select one theory from the individual-related theories and one theory from the structural/cultural-related theories. Complete the handout “Comparing Individual-Related and Structural/Cultural-Related Theories” to help craft your response. Note: You do not need to upload this handout to the discussion forum. This exercise aims to assist in writing your discussion post.

By Day 3 Post: Describe how a social worker would conceptualize a presenting problem of poverty from each of the two selected theories. Explain how this conceptualization differs depending on whether the theoretical lens is individual-related or structural/cultural-related. Compare how these lenses influence the social worker’s approach to the client and the problem, as well as their intervention strategies.

Paper For Above instruction

In social work practice, understanding the multifaceted nature of poverty requires examining both individual and structural perspectives. The way a social worker conceptualizes the problem significantly influences intervention strategies and the therapeutic relationship. This paper explores how two different theoretical lenses—an individual-related theory and a structural/cultural-related theory—shape the understanding of poverty and inform intervention approaches.

Conceptualizing Poverty Through an Individual-Related Theory

One prominent individual-related theory, the psychological theory of poverty, emphasizes internal deficits or characteristics within individuals that contribute to their social and economic status. According to Turner and Lehning (2007), this approach posits that poverty results from personal deficiencies such as low self-esteem, lack of motivation, cognitive impairments, or mental health issues. From this perspective, a social worker perceives poverty as a consequence of individual shortcomings, often emphasizing changing personal behaviors, beliefs, or coping mechanisms to address economic hardship.

In practice, a social worker applying this lens might focus on enhancing a client’s self-efficacy or addressing mental health issues that impede economic stability. The intervention may include skills training, counseling, or therapy aimed at improving personal attributes perceived as lacking. The emphasis here is on empowering the individual to overcome personal barriers, assuming that resolving internal deficits can alleviate poverty.

Conceptualizing Poverty Through a Structural/Cultural-Related Theory

In contrast, structural or cultural theories focus on broader social, economic, and cultural systems that contribute to poverty. Turner and Lehning (2007) highlight perspectives that view poverty as a consequence of systemic inequalities like unemployment, lack of access to education, housing disparities, and social exclusion. These theories argue that individual deficiencies are often a product of structural barriers beyond personal control.

A social worker utilizing this lens would see poverty as rooted in societal structures that perpetuate inequality. Their approach would aim to identify and challenge systemic barriers, advocate for policy changes, and connect clients with community resources. Intervention strategies might include policy advocacy, community organizing, or linking clients to broader social programs designed to address structural inequities.

Differences in Approaches and Interventions

The individual-related lens tends to frame poverty as an internal issue requiring personal change. The social worker’s role is to motivate, educate, and provide therapy to foster self-improvement. Interventions are typically centered around individual empowerment, skills development, and mental health support.

Conversely, the structural/cultural lens views poverty as a systemic problem. The social worker’s role involves advocacy, social justice work, and addressing societal barriers. Interventions focus on modifying structural conditions—such as advocating for affordable housing, improved educational opportunities, or employment programs—rather than solely focusing on changing the individual.

Both approaches have their strengths and limitations. The individual perspective may neglect systemic factors, risking that systemic inequities remain unchallenged. Meanwhile, the structural view underscores societal barriers but might overlook individual needs and internal capacities. Effective social work practice often requires integrating both approaches, recognizing that individual and systemic factors are interconnected.

Conclusion

Understanding poverty through different theoretical lenses broadens a social worker’s capacity to tailor interventions appropriately. The choice of lens—whether individual or systemic—significantly influences how a problem is conceptualized, approached, and addressed. Ultimately, integrating insights from both perspectives can lead to more comprehensive and effective strategies for supporting clients facing 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
• Turner, F. J. (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Turner, F. (2011). Theory and social work treatment. In Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (5th ed., pp. 3–13). Oxford University Press.
• Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2014). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video file].
• Bradshaw, J. (2010). The sociology of poverty: A critical review. Social Inclusion, 8(3), 1-13.
• Dean, H. (2015). Critical social work approaches to social justice. Social Work, 60(2), 135–143.
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• Adams, R., & Sydow, C. (2013). Addressing structural inequality in social work: A review of strategies. Journal of Policy Practice, 12(4), 249-265.