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Jean Baker Miller's Relational Culture Theory

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The Relational culture theory, or RCT was developed by Jean Baker Miller. The theory was developed with the knowledge in mind that humans are naturally drawn to relationships. Humans strive towards interactions with other humans. We encounter many important relationships throughout our lives, and we achieve significant growth through the relationships we have. In relational culture theory the relationships we have are essential with humans in society. In Mirkin’s (1998) text, he mentions Miller describes RCT as central human necessity, and without them it has the potential to cause various psychological problems. There are some important fundamental assumptions of the relational culture theory. The most profound assumption of RCT is the importance …show more content…

Both focus greatly on the fact that nothing can be achieved alone, you need to grow and learn with the help of others and relationships. Those who try to dive into the struggles of life alone experience things like attachment issues and struggle to be motivated in different aspect of society. Some core values of the social work profession are dignity and self worth of the person, integrity, competence and social justice (NASW, 2017). You can intertwine all of the core values I just mentioned with the underlying ideas of social work. For example, dignity and self worth. RCT states that relationships with other individuals and social groups promotes the dignity and self worth of the individual. Many of the underlying ideas of RCT can be directly supported and improved through the social work profession. I mentioned earlier that RCT leans on professionals a great deal, specifically when there is disconnection in relationships. Because RCT leans on professionals, this encourages social workers to become expects of RCT and be supportive and encouraging around an individuals relationships to others in society. Competence is one of the core values of a social worker. To be a competent social worker means to be knowledgeable about your own profession as well as about your clients and what they may feel or believe in. So a successful and powerful social worker will be competent in theories such as RCT and support them …show more content…

It focuses on the relationships that we encounter and how it benefits all members of the group. RCT stresses the importance to feel they matter and they are accepted. Without that feeling of connectedness we are at risk for various psychological issues such as a damaged sense of self worth (Jordan, 2011). RCT stresses the importance that we continue these relationships and secure attachment throughout our lives. There are times that people do not experience these relationships that help us grow and thrive in our lives. When the ability to form healthy relationships is lacking, this is where social workers come in. It is their jobs to be competent in surrounding the theory because of the growing popularity of social workers practicing

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