In essence, the Strength's Perspective "…builds on the idea that client groups are untapped resources of energy and momentum in their own lives" (The Strengths Perspective). This is an important alternative to the older pathological view of the client.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as the above discussion shows, answering the question what is social work involves a wide and interrelated range of issues, problems and theoretical methods and perspectives. Social work is essentially about upliftment, protection and care, but it also includes a variety of social issues and situations that impact the lives of the individual in society. These can include social issues such as race and gender prejudice as well as inbuilt biases and prejudices within the society. The social worker also has to take cognisance of a variety of theoretical sources and perspectives in order to deal with these issues and situations.
References
CASW NATIONAL SCOPE OF PRACTICE STATEMENT. (2000) Retrieved from http://www.yoursocialworker.com/social_worker.htm
DEFINITION OF SOCIAL WORK. Retrieved from http://www.wright.edu/cola/Dept/social_work/sw_definition.htm
Active Listening. Retrieved from http://www.analytictech.com/mb119/reflecti.htm
Group Work. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/groupwork/
NASW Practice Standards. Retrieved from http://www.helpstartshere.org/about/nasw-practice-standards.html
STUDY GUIDE: Becoming a Social Worker. HSW703. Deakin University.
THE NEED FOR SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION -- A DISCUSSION PAPER FOR
THE SCOTTISH 21st CENTURY SOCIAL WORK REVIEW . Retrieved from http://www.socialworkscotland.org.uk/resources/pub/NeedforSocialWorkIntervention.pdf
The Strengths Perspective. Retrieved from http://www.npcresearch.com/Files/Strengths%20Training%20Binder/08.%20The%20Strengths%20Perspective.pdf
Vickery A. (1974) A Systems Approach to Social Work Intervention: its uses for Work
with Individuals and Families. Br J. Soc Work, 4 (4), pp. 389-404. Retrieved from http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org/content/4/4/389.2.abstract
What is Anti-oppressive Social Work? Retrieved from http://aosw.socialwork.dal.ca/whatisaosw.html
