SOCIAL WORK WITH GROUPS IN THE GENERIC BASE OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

Social work with groups in generic practice requires more integration of group process theory and group work methodology in relation to two questions: What is important for all social workers to know about groups and group work and when is the group the most appropriate method-of-choice in generic practice? Important premises and knowledge for this practice are the relationship of the individual to the group; the small group as a microcostic social system; and especially, the stages of group development. This knowledge base and the understanding of the "curative factors" or "change mechanisms" in groups is suggestive of the selective use of groups for providing services in generic social work practice.