Promoting Individual and Social Changes: A Hybrid Model of Social Work with Groups |
| |
Authors: | Valérie Roy Annie Pullen-Sansfaçon |
| |
Institution: | 1. School of Social Work, Université Laval. Quebec City, Canada;2. School of Social Work, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada |
| |
Abstract: | Taking as a starting point two influential, yet different approaches in group work, that is, the self-directed group work and mutual aid models, this article examines a possible alternative for conducting social work with groups. Drawing from structuration theory, which makes a strong dialectical relation between agency and structure possible, this article highlights how our alternative model could lead to a greater integration of the micro- and macrodimensions in group-work practice. The Discussion section proposes three key principles for group work, namely, a belief in people’s strengths and capacities, a focus on critical thinking, and a concern for the development of a democratic culture in groups. These principles are conveyed through the group worker’s roles as consciousness raiser and process facilitator and provide a flexible and participatory process that can be used with a broad range of service-user groups. The article concludes with a discussion on the strengths and limitations of the model. |
| |
Keywords: | group work group work theory social action mutual aid planning |
|
|