Your Theoretical Orientation This Week Is Feminist Theory ✓ Solved

This Week Your Theoretical Orientation Is Feminist Theory You Will Us

This week your theoretical orientation is feminist theory. You will use the same case study that you chose in Week 2. Use the "Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study" worksheet to help you dissect the theory. You do not need to submit this handout. It is a tool for you to use to dissect the theory and then you can employ the information in the table to complete your assignment.

Your presentation should include the following: In 1 to 2 sentences, identify and describe the problem to be worked on in your chosen case study. In 1 to 2 sentences, explain how feminist theory you are utilizing defines and explains the cause of the problem. In 1 to 2 sentences, use feminist theory to describe the role of the social worker to facilitate change in the case study. In the assessment phase, identify 2 assessment questions you will ask to explore what the client’s goals are and how they will get there. Remember, feminist theory should be driving the assessment.

Describe two interventions to address the problem and explain how the clients will implement the interventions. Remember, feminist theory should be driving the interventions. In 2 to 3 sentences, discuss how you would evaluate if one of the interventions you identified is effective with the client. Explain how, specifically, you will set the tone throughout your work with the client to reduce the hierarchical relationship and make it more collaborative. Evaluate one strength and one limitation of feminist theory in working with the client.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

To demonstrate the application of feminist theory to a specific case, consider a hypothetical scenario involving a woman experiencing domestic abuse and economic dependence. The core problem in this case is the woman’s ongoing victimization within a patriarchal context that perpetuates gendered power imbalances and economic disparities.

Feminist theory attributes the problem to systemic gender inequality rooted in societal structures that uphold patriarchy and suppress women's autonomy. This theoretical perspective suggests that the problem results from societal norms that reinforce traditional gender roles, which restrict women’s access to resources and decision-making power, thereby perpetuating cycles of abuse and dependence.

The role of the social worker, guided by feminist principles, is to empower the client by promoting equality, validating her experiences, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate her victimization. The social worker facilitates change by advocating for the client’s rights, providing education about power dynamics, and supporting her autonomy and decision-making capacity.

During assessment, two critical questions would include: "What are your personal goals for safety and independence?" and "What resources and support systems do you have access to that can help you achieve these goals?" These questions focus on understanding the client's aspirations and the structural barriers she faces, with feminist theory emphasizing empowerment and systemic change.

Two interventions may include: 1) creating a safety and empowerment plan that involves the client identifying accessible resources and support networks; 2) facilitating self-advocacy training to strengthen her ability to assert her rights and navigate social systems. The client would be involved actively in developing and implementing these interventions, reinforcing her agency and voice.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the advocating intervention, the social worker would monitor the client’s progress toward increased safety, independence, and self-confidence, using regular check-ins and client feedback. Establishing a non-hierarchical, collaborative tone throughout interactions—such as using respectful language, shared decision-making, and validating the client’s experiences—helps diminish power imbalances and fosters trust.

One strength of feminist theory is its focus on empowerment and social justice, which can lead to meaningful change for marginalized clients. A limitation is its potential to overlook individual psychological factors and the complexity of personal issues, emphasizing systemic change sometimes at the expense of individual therapy needs.

References

• Brown, P. (2012). Feminist Theory and Social Work Practice. Springer Publishing.
• Chammartin, O., & Carter, M. (2018). Empowering Women Through Feminist Social Work. Journal of Social Justice, 12(2), 128-145.
• Dicey, M. (2017). Critical Feminist Perspectives in Social Work. Routledge.
• Hasenfeld, Y. (2010). Human Services as Complex Organizations. Brooks/Cole.
• Radford, D. (2013). Feminist Approaches to Social Work. Sage Publications.
• Turmel, B. (2019). Intersectionality and Feminist Theory in Practice. Social Work Review, 15(4), 211-227.
• Walker, A. (2014). Power and Agency in Feminist Practice. Community, Work & Family, 17(3), 305-319.
• Weitz, R. (2011). Feminist Social Work Practice. Columbia University Press.
• Yuen, S. (2020). Challenging Patriarchy: Feminist Interventions in Social Work. Journal of Feminist Studies, 9(1), 45-62.
• Zschommler, E. (2019). Structural Inequality and Social Work. Sage Publications.