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Individual vs. Structural-Cultural Theories


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 apply lenses through which to understand a client’s problem in relation to social problems.

To prepare:

  • Read this article listed in the Learning Resources: Turner, K., & Lehning, A. J. (2007). Psychological theories of poverty. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 16(1/2), 57–72. doi:10.1300/J137v16n01-05
  • Select a theory under the individual-related theories and a theory under the structural/cultural-related theories.
  • Complete the handout “Comparing Individual-Related and Structural/Cultural-Related Theories” to help you craft your response. (Note: You do not need to upload the handout to the Discussion forum. The handout is intended to assist you in writing your Discussion post.)

Post:

  • Describe how a social worker would conceptualize a presenting problem of poverty from the two theories you selected.
  • Explain how this conceptualization differs from an individual-related versus a structural/cultural-related theoretical lens.
  • Compare how the two theoretical lenses differ in terms of how the social worker would approach the client and the problem and how the social worker would intervene.

Life Span Interview

Report Issue

Throughout the HSBE I and II courses, you have explored the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of different phases of the human life span. You have explored life-span development theories that help to explain human behavior. You also have considered how the social environment influences individuals and their behavior.

Gathering facts about a client’s life span through the interview process is an important social work skill. This week, you practice this skill by interviewing an older adult using the questions in the Life Span Interview document available in this week’s resources. For this week’s Assignment you transform your interview notes into a narrative—that is, a life story—of the older adult you interviewed. You interweave within this narrative an analysis of the life story by applying person and the environment concepts to your understanding and interpretation of that story.

Submit a 3- to 5-page paper in which you provide a narrative analysis of the Life Span Interview you completed. The paper should:

  • Provide a chronological history of the individual’s major life experiences.
    • Identify specific biological, psychological and sociological influences that shaped the individual’s experience.
  • Analyze the individual’s experiences by applying theory and concepts learned throughout both HBSE courses.
  • Provide your reflection of the experience, both in interviewing the individual and analyzing their narrative.
  • Explain what you learned and how you will apply this to future social work practice.

Support your Assignment with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Social Problem Research

Responding to the social problems that affect the populations(Aging and Adult services) you serve as a social worker is only one aspect of the professional responsibility you must undertake. The ability to be proactive by identifying disparities and gaps in policies is just as important. However, in order to be an effective advocate and to fully participate in the policy process, it is important that you be able to connect theory and research to policy-making decisions. Having the knowledge and skills to implement new policies and policy alternatives without creating new disparities is a skill all social workers need to possess.

For this Assignment, consider what you have learned about the possible causes of the social problem you selected.

Assignment (2–4 pages, APA format): Your paper should include:

  • A description of the known explanations or causes of the issue you selected in your Social Issues paper in Week 3
  • A description of the theoretical explanations and approaches scholars and policy analysts used to discuss this issue
  • A description of the policies that have resulted from these discussions and an explanation of whether they are effective at resolving the issue

Support your Assignment with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.