Social Work for Sociologists: Theory and Practice

CHAPtEr 2

Key Social Work Frameworks

for Sociologists

Anita Gibbs and Kate van Heugten

Introduction

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the distinctiveness of social work and
sociology, their differences and similarities, and their converging and diverg-
ing histories. It also provides the rationale for subsequent chapters, wherein
we will tease out the frameworks, theoretical concepts, values, and skills that
social work offers to sociology. This chapter focuses on the conceptual frame-
works that have currency in social work and offers sociologists the opportunity
to expand on their understanding and analysis of the connections between
social and personal problems. We begin with a brief discussion of frameworks
as used in social work and then introduce Aleena and her family as a case
study to which we later apply those frameworks. The first framework consid-
ered is that of critical reflection; in many respects, this is considered to be the
framework of current social work practice. Many other frameworks used in
social work practice have either been adapted to include critical reflection or
been rejected as outmoded or as inappropriate in a critically reflective practice
environment. In addition to the critical reflection framework, we will explore
frameworks focusing on strengths, competencies, and success (Dybicz 2012);
ecosystems approaches; anti-oppressive and empowerment frameworks;
rights-based frameworks; indigenous frameworks, with a particular focus on
frameworks used by the indigenous people of New Zealand; and finally, task-
centered approaches. All of these continue to have a significant impact on
social work practice and offer sociologists new ways of viewing vulnerable
people in society.