Groups in Social Work Practice Thesis

Deeper into studying groups in the social work context, understanding the worldview of groups by the social worker is necessary because it is only through this strategy that s/he develops a specific work ethic and knowledge of methodologies related to social work research. Observing and studying groups is a form of methodology that can enhance the social worker's knowledge and skills, and it is only through constant exposure with this methodology that the social worker can truly become an expert not only on the subject matter, but on the research approach as well. Further, with constant exposure to studies requiring working with groups, social workers become adept at interacting with people (treated as subjects of a research endeavor), and observing the required ethical behavior and procedures while working with the groups/subjects.

More than being a part the social work practice, working with groups, Davies added, allows the social worker to distinguish "normality" as defined by the social worker and the groups that s/he is studying (33). This point is interdependent with the role of social workers as viewers of different perspectives. In so doing, social workers are constantly challenged by the subjects or groups in determining what is and what is not normal. Thus, determining normality in different contexts and in different groups enable social workers to gain insights into the different realities and structures that exist in the social environment. Apart from professional development, working with groups adds further to the social worker's personal development, as s/he becomes exposed to different peoples and behavior, which may or may not be considered part of the social worker's everyday reality.

Reference:

Davies, B. (1975). The use of groups in social work. NY: Taylor & Francis.