Debunking the “Blood Theory” of Social Work with Groups: Group Workers Are Made and Not Born

ABSTRACT

This article dispels the “blood theory” myth of social work with groups: that group work is either in one's blood or it is not; that group workers are born and not made. Key concepts for effective group work practice are illustrated and discussed. They include maintaining a strengths perspective, practicing group work versus casework in a group, promoting mutual aid, using one's authority, welcoming conflict, and embracing the use of activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Group work
• strengths perspective
• mutual aid
• conflict
• use of activity
• use of authority