Social Work Theory and Practice

Abstract

Social work theory is of two kinds — broadly based general theory, and theory presenting a specific framework for practice. Social workers who have written about alcoholic clients have almost invariably concentrated on what is different or 'problematic' about alcoholism, and thus have reinforced the general reluctance of social workers to consider that they may be able to help. Social workers consistently emphasise the importance of understanding the client's family and social environment, and systems theory probably provides the most help in considering the alcoholic client's environment. Systems theory points to a further and complicating dimension to the client's situation. Psycho-social theory is based largely on the conceptual framework of psychoanalytic psychiatry, and has developed through attempts to articulate clearly the experience of social work practitioners.