When I started working on the topic of power and powerlessness in social work, I did not have many questions. It seemed self-evident that a social worker would be aware of his or her professional power and know how to use it wisely in terms of purposeful work with clients. In a closer examination of the literature, however, power in the context of social work turned out to be a controversial, even problematic topic: There is a lot of talk about power in general - but more silence about power in social work. Therefore, it was necessary to investigate this issue.
In dealing with power, we must also consider its counterpart, powerlessness. Powerlessness always means the absence of one's own power. The fact that members of the helping professions, but first and foremost clients, can feel powerless, helpless, is a recognized and accepted feeling.
The task here must be to find ways out of one's own powerlessness so as not to be at its mercy, to learn to accept it as one's own limits, and to show the client ways to overcome his powerlessness.
Power is rarely discussed; it is pushed away. Power in the social work field is often seen as something negative. "Thus, 'power' is immediately equated with 'abuse of power', with a condition that must be overcome as quickly as possible" (Stiels - Glenn 1996, p. 16). Power is denied.
Assuming the existence of power in social work, and indeed its justification, this thesis will deal primarily with asking why. After defining and explaining the terms, the second chapter deals with possible causes, reasons, their consequences and the problem of the abuse of power.
Powerlessness as the counterpart of power and as a feeling that can be professionally countered by social workers, be it their own powerlessness or that of the client, is addressed in chapter 3.
Concluding theses on possibilities and limits for a responsible use of professional power conclude my remarks in the last chapter.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Power and social work – (not) a contradiction
2.1 Definition of power and conceptual explanations
2.2 Power in social work
2.3 Dealing with power
2.3.1 Power in the self-image of the social worker
2.3.2 Power and responsibility
2.3.3 Abuse of power in social work
3. Powerlessness in social work
3.1 The powerlessness of helping
3.2 Facing powerlessness
4. Concluding theses for a responsible use of power in social work
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the controversial and often neglected role of professional power within the field of social work. It seeks to investigate why power is frequently denied or suppressed by professionals, how it relates to the phenomenon of powerlessness, and how social workers can develop a responsible and transparent approach to the power dynamics inherent in their professional relationships with clients.
- The theoretical foundation and definitions of power in social work.
- The professional self-image of social workers and the denial of power.
- The interdependence of professional power, responsibility, and control.
- Understanding powerlessness as a limit to professional practice.
- Practical strategies for the responsible and transparent use of power.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3.1 Power in the self-image of the social worker
If a social worker reflects on his or her personal motivation for choosing this line of work, power ambitions are unlikely to have played a role, or only a very minor one. Most are very likely driven by the desire to personally and directly help, to support, to (re)empower someone.
Social work means helping people to help themselves - this sentence also influenced me during my training and thus expresses the credo and ideal of social work. I am helping.
This can give the feeling of being important, perhaps of being loved. Do I want to risk that by demonstrating power, by exercising power, on the contrary, perhaps anger and annoyance of clients will be directed against me?
In recent years, a new understanding of the concept of service has also changed the image of social work in society. The image of the "social controller" is being shaken off; the youth welfare office no longer sees itself as an intervention authority but as a service and counseling institution (cf. Stiels - Glenn 1996, p. 14). Power is seen in contradiction to the current self-image of social work as a service and a service and the personal role as a counselor in partnership.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction highlights the necessity of addressing power in social work, noting that while power is a central element of professional practice, it is often denied or viewed negatively.
2. Power and social work – (not) a contradiction: This chapter establishes theoretical definitions of power and explores the ambivalent relationship social workers have with their own professional authority and responsibility.
3. Powerlessness in social work: The chapter explores the counterpart of power, examining how social workers experience limitations and how they can process feelings of helplessness professionally.
4. Concluding theses for a responsible use of power in social work: This section summarizes practical suggestions and institutional requirements for managing professional power ethically and transparently.
5. Conclusion: The final chapter serves as a summary and a plea for a more positive and conscious integration of power as a legitimate tool in social work practice.
Keywords
Social work, professional power, powerlessness, responsibility, helping relationship, professional self-image, social control, ethics in social work, client autonomy, institutional frameworks, empowerment, abuse of power, professional standards, supervision, helping profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work focuses on the handling of professional power within social work, arguing that it is a necessary, albeit often suppressed, component of the profession that requires ethical and transparent application.
What are the primary thematic areas addressed?
The main themes include the definition of power, the professional self-perception of social workers, the link between power and responsibility, the nature of powerlessness, and the prevention of power abuse.
What is the main objective of the thesis?
The primary goal is to encourage a shift toward a more positive and conscious understanding of power, moving away from denial and toward a responsible, transparent practice.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The author utilizes a literature-based theoretical analysis, combining sociological theories of power with specific discourses on social work ethics and professional standards.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the conceptualization of power, the influence of social worker self-images, the connection to responsibility, the experience of powerlessness in the helping process, and the risk of power abuse.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include social work, professional power, powerlessness, responsibility, ethical practice, and empowerment.
How does the author define the relationship between power and responsibility?
The author posits that exercising professional power is inextricably linked to responsibility; by denying power, social workers also evade the responsibility inherent in their decision-making roles.
What role do institutions play in the handling of power?
Institutions are responsible for creating the necessary frameworks—such as clear mandates, professional standards, and supervision—that enable social workers to address and utilize power consciously.
How should social workers deal with feelings of powerlessness?
The author argues that social workers must accept their own limits and recognize that powerlessness is a normal part of the helping process, which can be managed through professional support and collegial exchange.
Why is the "self-image" of the social worker considered so important?
The self-image dictates how much room an individual allows for professional power in their daily practice; a misaligned self-image can lead to the denial of power, which ultimately hinders effective and professional help.
- Quote paper
- Franziska Brandt (Author), 2005, Dealing With Power in Social Work, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1190427
