Discussion 1: Conflict Theories in Social Work Practice with Specific Populations

Discussion 1: Conflict Theories in Social Work Practice with Specific Populations

Why does conflict exist? What if conflict and instability were life’s normal state of affairs, occasionally interrupted by periods of peace and stability? What if peace is contrary to the nature of man? According to conflict theory, society is in a state of perpetual conflict and competition for limited resources. In fact, this perspective might explain the existence of war, poverty, political strife, divorce, discrimination, and a host of other conflict-related social phenomena. If conflict theorists are right, are social workers fighting a war that cannot be won? The social worker’s mission is not to foster a utopia where all conflict ceases to exist. Rather, social workers help clients overcome the conflicts they face and reduce or eliminate the harm they experience, in order to improve their lives. How can the understanding of conflict’s origins and why it exists prepare social workers to help their clients effectively manage the conflict in their lives?

 

For this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Select either the Roy case study or the Matt and Keith case study. Then, select a conflict theory that best applies to the specific case you selected. Finally, consider what social work skills you might use to apply that theory and think about why it is appropriate for that case.

 

·       Post a description of the conflict theory that best applies to the case study you selected.

 

·       Be sure to reference the client from the specific case study you selected in your post.

 

·       Then explain what social work skills you might use to apply that theory and explain why it is appropriate for the case you selected.