DIs2Wk2 4004
.docx
School
Walden University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
SOCW 4004
Subject
Sociology
Date
Dec 27, 2024
Pages
1
Uploaded by CountBison3640
Describe one theory applicable to social work.One theory applicable to social work is Field Theory, which views "the group as a gestalt,that is, an evolving entity of opposing forces that act to hold members in the group accountable and to move the group along in its quest for goal achievement" (Toseland et al., 2017, p62). A name commonly associated with Field Theory is Kurt Lewin, who has experimented with group dynamics and conducted numerous experiments focusing primarily on behavior in small groups, studying and investigating leadership. From these experiments, Lewin has stated, "Groups are constantly changing to cope with their social situation, although there are times in which a "quasi-stationary equilibrium" exists for all groups" (Toseland et al., 2017, p62). As time progressed with the application of Field Theory, other areas were explicitly considered. "Lewin, Lippitt, and White (1939 as cited in Toseland et al., 2017) created three types of groups: authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire leadership" (Toseland et al., 2017, p62). With the continued development of field theory, Lewin "introduced several concepts to aid in understanding the forces at work in a group, their roles, norms, power, cohesion, consensus, valence" (Toseland et al., 2017, p62). Each area becomes an identifiable point that others would focus on for their research. Explain the intended outcome that this theory has for group work.Lewin's several concepts that helped understand forces, as Lewin called them within groups, have become a construct within field theory. The specifics for each area are "Roles referring to the status, rights, and duties of group members. Norms are rules governing the behavior of group members. Power is the ability of members to influence one another. Cohesion is the amount of attraction the group members feel for one another and the group. Consensus is the degree of agreement regarding goals and other group phenomena. Valence is the potency of goals and objects in the life space of the group" (Toseland et al., 2017). The intention for this theory within group work that Lewin sought was to understand "the forces occurring in the groupas a whole from the perspective of individual group members" (Toseland et al., 2017, p62). His work emphasizes the importance of the properties of the group that act on the individual member. As time has passed, others have taken on research in field theory and have mainly "focused their research efforts on cohesion, which they define as the totality of forces acting on individual members to keep them in the group. Studies by field theorists have shown that cohesion is related to agreement on goals and norms, shared understanding, and similar demographic backgrounds of members, as well as to productivity, satisfaction, and cooperative interaction patterns (Cartwright, 1951 et al., as cited in Toseland et al., 2017, p62)". In short, the intended outcome of field theory has been about gathering and understanding how groups work together and how they affect the individual in the group. ReferenceToseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
