The Time is Right for a Common Conceptual Framework
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Transcript of The Time is Right for a Common Conceptual Framework
The Time is Right for a Common Conceptual Framework
Kentucky Conference on Social Work Practice and EducationFeb 8-10, 2001 - Lexington, KY
Richard RamsayUniversity of Calgary
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Dedicated To . . . .
Harriet Bartlett Jim Billups
William Gordon Dorothy Miller
Bartlett’s Concern . . . .
“. . . the lack of adequate words, terms, concepts to represent the important facets and components of the profession’s practice as a whole” Bartlett, 1970, p. 46.
Bartlett’s Dream . . . .
Graduates will leave schools of social work with “an initial grasp of social work’s full scope and content” Bartlett, 1970, p. 83.
Wakefield’s priority . . . .
“. . . The conceptual analysis of social work’s purpose should be high among the profession’s intellectual priorities” Wakefield, 1996, p. 210.
Begin with Conclusions
Common Conceptual Framework
Aligned with holistic worldview Based on a common organizing framework Utilizes Nature’s minimum whole system Allows for co-existing opposites Displays entity-relationship constellations Highlights relationship-centered focus
Common Organizing Structure
Tetrahedral Constellation
3-dimensionaltop view
2-dimensionalunfolded view
Multi-dimensionalcomplex view
Common Conceptual Framework
Core Components Domain of Practice
Paradigm of Profession
Domain of Social Worker
Methods of Practice
Common Conceptual Framework
Domain of Practice
3 systemic(network-like)
Domain of Social Worker
Method of Practice
Paradigm of Profession
1 systematic(phase-like)
Scope of Social Work Map
relationship-connected pathways
Revisiting the Working Definiton and Conceptual Framework
Meetings
1958 Working DefinitionPentahedral Constellation
Purpose
Values
Knowledge Method
Sanctions
R = (n2-n)/2R = (25-5)/2R = 10
Purpose
Strengthen maximum potential in individual, groups, communities
Common Values
Interdependence of elements Social responsibility for one another Common needs; diversely unique Right to realize full potential; expectation of
active participation Societal responsibility to prevent barriers
Sanctions Agencies
Government and NGOs
Profession Legislation, standards, code of ethics ‘Safety net’ profession ‘care for’ profession
Social assignment Dependency problems (Popple, 1985)
Minimum distributive justice problems (Wakefield, 1996)
Knowledge
Human development Giving and taking Communicating Group processes Cultural heritage Relationships Community Social services Self
Methods
Orderly systematic mode Disciplined use of self in relationship Practitioner is facilitator of PIE interactions Includes observation, assessment, plan of action Aided by techniques and technology Technical expertise to use knowledge
1st CF Meeting: Is there a Common Conceptual Framework?
Commissioned papers Pincus and Minahan
• Resources, interaction, objectives, tasks and activities Dean
• Political philosophies cannot be ignored Morris
• A “caring for” profession Cooper
• A professional mechanism for inducing change Read
• Problem-oriented models that can be tested scientifically
Madison Meeting: Is there a Common Conceptual Framework?
Reaction papers Morales
• Over emphasis on knowledge to do clinical work Simon
• The basis for a common framework; time is not right Gilbert
• Absence of a well articulated conceptual framework Alexander
• Past dichotomies reconstructed and repeated
O’Hare Meeting: Purpose and Objective
Purpose and Beliefs- Improved and clarified
Objectives- added
Hexahedral Constellation
Purpose Objectives
Values Sanctions
Knowledge MethodR = (n2-n)/2R = (36-6)/2R = 15
O’Hare Meeting
Beliefs reworked Purpose reworked Functional objectives added Direct practice articulated Identified unit of attention targets Silent on relationship-centred focus Silent on indirect practice
Moving in the Direction of a Common Conceptual
Framework-Definition Integration
Bartlett’s Common Base
Intervention repertoireBroad Orientation
Social functioning domain
Triangular base
Beyond the Working Definition Practitioner action, directed to a purpose
guided by values, knowledge and methods Values and knowledge
interact in determining professional goals Sanction
removed as a basic definer Central concern of social work
not in WD, nor recognized as needed Social workers
not taught to think holistically
Beyond the Common Base: Systems Informed Models
Meyer Pincus & Minahan Middleman & Goldberg Goldstein Comptom & Galaway Geraine & Gitterman
Shulman Johnson Sheafor et al Zastrow O’Neil O’Miley et al
Post Madison and O’Hare Meetings
1982, IFSW international definition common base elements
2000, CASW National Scope of Practice domain, preparation, practitioner, method
2000, IFSW international definition purpose, focus, knowledge, values
Can We Do What We Came Here To Do?
Reworking the Working Definition
Yes! A common conceptual framework is possible
No! We don’t have to repeat dichotomies Yes! Bartlett’s dream of a comprehensive
professional model can be achieved We can do it!Make the WD elements an
integral part of the conceptual framework
Common Conceptual Framework based on minimum whole system constellation
tetrahedral
informed by Bartlett’s common base Social functioning, broad orientation, intervention repertoire
informed by Wilber’s domain-method criteria Identifiable domain/area of practice Refutable method/intervention process
informed by Kuhn’s paradigm criteria Common values, rules and standards of practice of a like-
minded group
Common Conceptual Framework
Domain of Social Work
3 systemic
Domain of Social Worker
Method of Practice
Paradigm of Profession
1 systematic
Outcomes
Social functioning- role performance- just environment
SW functioning- competent- burn-out
challenges,strengths
Operational Framework
Domain of Social Work Practice
Defining Purpose/Organizing Value Informed by tensionally connected moral imperatives Contains clear vision and mission Guides the use of diverse repertoire of methods
Functional Objectives Guided by defining purpose vision and mission
Informed by: Diverse knowledge bases
Paradigm of Profession
Values Primary Instrumental
Practice Options/Decisions Functions Modes of delivery/programs Knowledge
curriculum
Sanctions Social assignment
• (Popple) (Wakefield) Profession
• enabling Governments and NGOs
• Embracing and/or limiting Corporate world
• limiting
Domain of Social Worker
disciplined use of self personal-professional integration ability to rise above personal beliefs
Methods of Practice
Intervention repertoire Phase-like processes
Mixture of linear and non-linear dynamics Dialectical/dialogical
Intervention-specific theories Techniques Skills
Think ConceptuallyPractice Specifically
Common Conceptual Framework
Domain of Social Work
3 systemic
Domain of Social Worker
Method of Practice
Paradigm of Profession
1 systematic
Outcomes
Social functioning- role performance- just environment
SW functioning- competent- burn-out
challenges,strengths
Operational Framework
Back To The Conclusion
Futurist Vision
“How do we make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time through spontaneous cooperation without ecological damage or the disadvantage of anyone?” R.Buckminster Fuller
End of Paper
Response to Responder
Working Definition IssuesWorking Definition Re-worked Definition
individual concern worldview base
Divided whole Equilibrium health
self-determination linear-circular causes social functioning
Quality of life Strengthen max potential
dual purpose
individual-collective worldview base
Undivided whole Far from equilibrium health
co-determination linear-non-linear patterns social well being
Just and civil society Distributive justice
unifying purpose
Working Definition IssuesWorking Definition Re-worked Definition
Change focus is entity-centered
Intervention target is abstract entity
empowering methods bestowed outcome
dichotomous opposites theory that links method
and purpose
change focus is relationship-centered
Intervention target is entity-centred
enabling methods Co-empowered outcomes
co-existive complementarity conceptually clear purpose;
methods to pursue purpose
Working Definition IssuesWorking Definition Re-worked Definition
person-in-environment (PIE) domain
2 practice options Client and target
science derived knowledge
no organizing framework “house”
person-environment network (PEN) domain
4 practice options Client, target, action, c.a.system
science-indigenous derived knowledge
nested in a common organizing framework “house”
Say It Again Sam!Lest We Forget
Appendix 1b
Common Conceptual Framework
Domain of Practice
• systemic person-in-environment area
• unifying purpose
• relationship-centred target of change
Domain of Social Worker need to address and critique biases,
values, personal issues
Method of Practice systematic challenge/problem solving process
theory-specific interventions dialogical process
minimum system phase process (3-4)
Paradigm of Profession
Outcomes
Social functioning- role performance- just environment
SW functioning- competent- burn-out
Operational Framework
VO RO
PO
P
CS
TSAS
CAS
ROPOVO
like-minded agreement domain, values, ethics, functions practice options
VO - Validator Otherness CS - Client System RO - Resource Otherness CAS - Change Agent System/Social WorkerPO - Personal Otherness TS - Target SystemP - Person/Practitioner AS - Action System
Working Definition: Context, Essence (What it is), Function (What it does) Context The professional boundaries and global scope of social
work and social work practice are governed primarily by sanctions and constraints of educational preparation, ethical principles, social work statutes, legislative regulations, code(s) of ethics, standards of care and local case law, or some combination of the aforementioned.
The extent to which the scope of social work can be practiced in a given society or setting is ultimately governed by societal sanctions, moral imperatives, organizational constraints and precedent requirements in statutory laws or other regulatory systems
Working Definition: Context, Essence (What it is), Function (What it does)
Essence Social work is the science-profession of social well being
functioning. Social work has a distinct “person-in-environment” domain of practice and defining purpose that is directed to social well being, individual and communal.
The central focus of social work is on societal relationships that advance distributive justice and well being for all.
Value-guided and evidence-based knowledge and methods of enabling others that are derived from the sciences (including social work), humanities and human experience inform the function of social work.
Working Definition: Context, Essence (What it is), Function (What it does)
Function The practice of social work employs two kinds of dialogical
process-guided social well-being/distributive justice activities/interventions.
One is directly with individuals and families in their contextual environments. Psychotherapy, psychosocial counseling, group work, and social support methods of social caring principally aid this kind of practice.
The other is indirectly with contextually relevant environment systems, including societal validators, institutional structures and social support resources, and their distributive justice/social well-being impact on individual and communal social well-being. Community development, social policy and social justice methods of social change principally aid this kind of practice.