MA05 Theoretical Foundations of Social Work

Description

Theories of social work enable professionals to understand the significance of their actions and teach critical thinking within historical, societal, and political contexts. Based on social science discourse about contemporary societal formations, social work theories describe the social function, conditions, and societal position of social work. They define the subject matter and tasks of social work. Considering ethical aspects and questions of normativity, they make statements about organizational forms and structural principles of professional practice. As paradigms, they provide the theoretical basis for developing research questions and further theory building, as well as an important foundation for method development. These theoretical foundations vary greatly depending on societal analytical and scientific theoretical assumptions. A critical understanding of these differing foundations is the basis for enlightened, professional practice.