Social Action, Empowerment and Social Work—An Integrative Theoretical Framework for Social Work and Social Work with Groups

Abstract

This article outlines a theoretical framework for social work, social groupwork, and social action based on an evolutionary general systems theory as a challenge to the dominating Parsonian functionalist perspective. Its main focus is on the inner, symbolic barriers to effective social action which can be eliminated by a sound theoretical base. The systemic view requires (a) multi-level- diagnosis of social problems as a means of relating private troubles to public political issues, (b) conceptualization of specific problem-dimensions as object-base (Gegenstand) for social work theory, and (c) development of problem-centered action lines, especially methods of empowerment and changing power-structures accessible to social work. The proposed framework may facilitate an international approach to building theories of social work in relation to societal structure and power.