Kotebe University of Education

Master of Social Work-

2022/23 Weekend Entrance
Group 1: proposed psychological, Sociological, and Social Work theories for the first
assignment
1. Psychosocial development theory
Psychosocial development theory was introduced by German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson,
who believed personality develops in a series of stages. Erikson created an eight-stage
theory of psychosocial development. According to the theory, the eight stages of
development that people pass through in life are:

 Trust versus mistrust

 Autonomy versus shame and doubt
 Initiative versus guilt
 Industry versus inferiority
 Identity versus confusion
 Intimacy versus isolation
 Generativity versus stagnation
 Integrity versus despair
In psychosocial development theory, humans are believed to go through these stages as they
age. Psychosocial development theory can influence social workers, who can look at what stage
of development their clients are going through and use the theory to better understand the
challenges their clients are experiencing during certain stages of psychosocial development.

2. Social learning theory

Social learning theory, which is also known as social cognitive theory, was developed by
psychologist Albert Bandura.  This theory posits that learning occurs by observing others and
modeling their behavior.

In order for social learning to occur, a person must want to emulate the person they’re watching.
The individual pays close attention to the action and retains the action in memory. Then, the
individual must experience a situation where the behavior can be repeated and must be
motivated to repeat the behavior.

Social learning theory relates to social work because social workers may want to understand
how role models affect the behaviors and moods in those they work with. Social learning theory
can also help social workers form intervention strategies that use positive modeling and
reinforcement to create new positive behaviors in their clients.

3. Systems theory
Systems theory proposes that people are products of complex systems, rather than individuals
who act in isolation. In this theory, behavior is influenced by a variety of factors that work
together as a system. These factors include family, friends, social settings, religious structure,
economic class and home environment, which can all influence how individuals act and think.

Systems theory can be used to treat issues like eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder,
anxiety, school trauma and risky behavior. In ecological systems theory, individuals are
observed in multiple environments so that behavior is fully understood. Family systems theory
examines the family as a social system influencing behavior and thoughts.

Social workers using systems theory will work to understand how their clients are influenced by
the systems they’re a part of. Social workers then identify where systemic breakdowns are
affecting behavior.

4. Structural functionalism theory

Structural functionalism theory in the context of community development states that

communities develop through the creation of multiple institutions that each fulfill necessary
functions. Thus, policies and procedures are created to maintain these institutions or agencies.
The functions fulfilled by community institutions are all perceived as necessary to keep the
status quo. Change and flux are avoided as institutions keep acting in the same way they
always have.

5. Conflict theory

Conflict theory, first developed by Karl Marx, is a theory that society is in a state of perpetual
conflict because of competition for limited resources.

Conflict theory states that communities are built through the interactions of different groups
that have different types of power. When one group has all the power, the other groups are not
as strong. Therefore, extra power needs to be given to groups that have had their power taken
away.

6. Symbolic interactionism

Symbolic interactionism states that different groups in a community see events, places, and
people in different ways. Community policies and development reflect these views. In other
words, the policies of a community often lean toward the views and interpretations of the
majority group in a community.

7. Social exchange theory

Social exchange theory originates with Austrian sociologist George Homans. It says that
relationships are based on cost-benefit analysis. Each person seeks to maximize their benefits
and is expected to reciprocate for the benefits they’ve received. When risks outweigh potential
rewards, relationships may be abandoned. When one person in a relationship has greater
personal resources than another, that person is predicted to have greater power as well.
Social workers can use social exchange theory to understand the relationships their clients have
with others and why they continue to maintain certain relationships or abandon them.

Social exchange theory can also be applied to the techniques social workers use to connect
with their clients. Social exchange theory can influence how social workers position the social
worker-client relationship as one that benefits their clients.

8. Rational choice theory

Rational choice theory helps explain why people make the choices they do, as people weigh
risks, costs and benefits before making decisions. This theory says that all choices are rational
because people calculate the costs and benefits before making a decision. Even when a choice
seems irrational, there was reasoning behind it.

This theory can help social workers understand the decision-making processes and motivations
of their clients. Using rational choice theory, social workers can examine how their clients make
decisions based on their rational preferences.