Introduction to human services

Human Services

Interrelationships between several features of "critical learning": Not accepting things at face value, until self-reflection has taken place and the reasons for believing certain arguments have been fully flushed out, is an important concept in the process of critical learning. So, too, is "bridging differences" -- which is really another way of saying "finding common ground" in any situation where individuals are from vastly different cultures, or socioeconomic classes. Putting critical learning into real life situations entails knowing the standpoints of people social workers are trained to help and support, but moreover, being able to change one's approach based on real world realities in the community shows maturity. To wit, self-reflection has an interrelationship with conscientization, because everything one thinks that one knows should be challenged and in the end the social worker (outsider) is allied with the insider in the process of providing help.

Differentiate the standpoint of insiders and outsiders in the context of human services: the outsider looks at the standpoint of the insider -- which is the actual perspective through which the social worker views events and people, a reflection of true experiences -- based on "plausible reasons" that apply to it. The outsider examines the beliefs, the values, of the insider to determine what the insider's reasons are for having those arguments and positions. If the outsider knows what the standpoint (experience leading to truth) is that the insider had taken, and that means the outsider has more than a vague clue about the perspective of the inside, then he can relate to the differences between the two values, which may be in conflict with one another.

In other words, if the outsider relates to the standpoint of the insider -- even though the two may not agree on what is needed -- there can possibly be a consensus on a plan of action. Moreover, if the social worker fully understands the standpoint of the client (insider), and can identify the values and possible points of conflict that could arise based on knowing the standpoint, a more thorough analysis can take place vis-a-vis the social worker, which in turn can be helpful in finding solutions for the insider.

Make use of the concept of working across differences to inform human services practice: The process of critical learning is a positive process, and it paves the way for working with people who are quite different from the outsider (social worker). For example, asking questions of people through the process of conscientization, getting them to open up about their lives and their standpoints, is part of the process of working through differences. In recognizing prior knowledge the social worker is using a standpoint based on what has already learned, but one must always question prior learning and previous knowledge because in the meantime something may have occurred that changes the value of that previous knowledge. New challenges with new clients can open the door for understanding one's one competence, and that can in turn add to the knowledge base.