Next stop on our ASWB exam content outline tour: Theories of social change and community development. Let's look at the theories and then at how they might appear on the social work exam.
The aim here is understanding how societies evolve and how communities can be empowered to create positive changes. These theories are often applied in social work to guide interventions and to promote sustainable improvements in communities. Some key theories that explain social change and community development, along with their relevance in social work:
Understanding social change and community development requires familiarity with several key theoretical frameworks. These theories provide insights into the ways social workers can engage with communities, address inequalities, and promote sustainable, positive change. Each theory offers a unique perspective on how societies evolve and how social work interventions can be applied to facilitate growth and transformation within communities.
Conflict theory views society as a system composed of groups that are in constant conflict over power, resources, and status. Social change, from the conflict perspective, is a result of struggles between these competing groups. The dominant group works to maintain its position of power, while marginalized or oppressed groups challenge these inequalities, leading to social change.
Evolutionary theory is based on the idea that culture is information that affects people’s behavior, which is acquired through teaching, imitation, and other forms of social transmission. Social change occurs gradually as societies adapt and evolve, passing down cultural information and practices through generations.
Functionalism posits that society is more than the sum of its parts, and that each aspect of society works together to promote stability and equilibrium. When one part of the system becomes dysfunctional, it can lead to social change as the system adapts to restore balance.
Cyclical theory suggests that much of social life is organized in cycles, such as daily, weekly, or yearly changes. Social change is often viewed as part of recurring patterns rather than linear progress. According to this theory, societies or social systems rise and fall in repeating cycles of growth and decline.
Critical theory aims to critique and transform society as a whole by uncovering underlying assumptions and structures that prevent people from fully understanding and engaging with the world. This theory is concerned with identifying and dismantling societal norms, power structures, and ideologies that contribute to oppression.
Theories of social change and community development provide essential frameworks for social workers to understand the dynamics of society and to guide interventions. Whether focusing on power struggles, gradual cultural evolution, system stability, recurring social patterns, or critiques of societal norms, these theories inform the strategies social workers use to address social problems and promote change. By applying these theories in practice, social workers can effectively engage communities, advocate for justice, and support long-term, sustainable development.
How might this material look on the licensing exam? Picture this:
A social worker is organizing a community to protest against a local government’s decision to cut funding for affordable housing. The social worker helps the community understand how these cuts disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Which theory is the social worker MOST likely applying?
A social worker is helping a client adjust to changing social norms regarding gender roles in their workplace. The worker encourages the client to adopt new behaviors and attitudes in line with evolving societal expectations. Which theory BEST describes the social worker's approach?
A social worker is working with a community that experiences regular seasonal flooding. The worker helps the community develop long-term strategies for managing the effects of the flooding, which happens on a predictable cycle. What theory is the social worker MOST likely using?
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