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Case Study in Relation with Critical Realism and Structural Theory

Ranjana Patwal
Masters of Social Work Qualifying, ACAP
SWSP 6013: Social Work Theory and Practice (Critical Theories and Skills)
Angelique Odyssea
April 5, 2024
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This essay explores two theoretical perspectives: critical realism and structural theory.

Critical realism provides a philosophical perspective through which to examine the complex

interconnections of the social domain, stressing the existence of underlying realities that

affect human experiences (Park & Peter, 2022). In contrast, structural theory focuses on the

systemic imbalances that perpetuate social inequities, directing social workers to investigate

the linkages between individual concerns and larger sociopolitical contexts (George &

Marlowe, 2005). Following that, a case study will be used to examine both theories and see

how they might help social workers better comprehend and evaluate the issue. Finally, and

most significantly, the essay will explore how these ideas match my personal and cultural

beliefs, highlighting their relevance.

A theory can be defined as a logical collection of propositions that are grounded in

reliable proof and function to elucidate an assortment of observations (Schriver, 2001, as

cited in Gentle-Genitty, 2007). Social workers can utilize theories to establish interventions

that improve human functioning in society. In furtherance of offering information on what

policies are essential to facilitate change for targeted and vulnerable populations, the general

guidelines and structures offered by social work theory may be beneficial (Gentle-Genitty,

2007). The importance of formal theories in social work is steadily growing since personal

intuition is frequently skewed, distorted, and has a restricted applicability. Theories enable us

to acquire the greatest amount of learning and knowledge accumulation, which facilitates the

transfer of learning from one project or challenge to the next (Davidoff et al., 2015). Social

work theories employ a research-driven framework to examine the challenges faced by

clients, serving as an initial reference point for social workers. Social workers are better

guided by a comprehension of theory supported by scientific evidence derived from research;

this knowledge gives them a sense of direction and intention. According to Kelly et al.,
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(2010, as cited in Lub, 2018) theories offer a framework for understanding complexity, given

that social work endeavours to effect social change, which entails intricate psychological

processes and relationships. Solid concepts in theory can unravel the intricacies of such

relationships, thereby facilitating the development of a framework that specifies the necessary

behavioural modifications.

Furthermore, theory facilitates the assessment of whether mechanisms and methods in

fact exert an influence on human behavior. According to Lub (2018), theories also enable the

modification and enhancement of particular interventions to correspond with distinct

contexts, groups, and behaviors (Michie et al., 2008, as cited in Lub, 2018). Theories in social

work assist social workers in being mindful of all important theories that they must put into

practice to improve society's currently unfavourable situations (Lam, 2004 as cited in Lub,

2018). Puolter (2005, as cited in Lub, 2018) described the process of incorporating social

work theories into practice as a continual analytical evaluation of practice guided by the most

recent theoretical research and understanding. This entails determining the best times and

ways for adopting or upgrading theories and practical procedures to improve the efficacy of

practice. This link demonstrates that practitioners are actively involved in improving their

abilities and refining their practice, underlining the need of using and updating well-

established research methodologies and approaches developed from theoretical applications

(Sung Chan & Yuen-Tsang, 2008, as cited in Lub, 2018).

Critical theory examines human behavior through an ideological lens, emphasizing

the significance of power and empowerment dynamics (Morris, 2006, as cited in Samsonsen

& Heggdalsvik, 2023). Critical realism is a philosophical stance that explains how complex

systems interact in the social domain, resulting in usually unanticipated consequences.

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Critical realism holds that an external truth exists as a social environment, framework, or

mechanism to which humans actively respond by forming their significance and

comprehension (Peter & Park, 2018, as cited in Park & Peter, 2022). Critical realism helps

scholars analyse how individuals perceive what they have experienced and how they relate to

objective, social structures, both enabling and restricting (Houston, 2001, 2010, as cited in

Park & Peter, 2022).

The structural approach in social work enables a more thorough grasp of social issues

and a systematic re-evaluation of goals (Moreau, 1979). According to Moreau (1979),

structural intervention seeks to transcend the dichotomy of individual and situation, focusing

on the interconnections between individuals and certain social, political, and economic

circumstances. The main obstacle in structural social work revolves around authority,

encompassing both personal and institutional dimensions. Structural social work focuses on

examining how the wealthy and influential individuals in society create and limit the

opportunities of the impoverished and less powerful. Furthermore, structural social work

addresses more than only the economically disadvantaged who are victims of unfair

economic systems; it also includes groups enduring psychological pain as a result of their

hostility to an ideology that sustains the current social hierarchy.

Critical Realism proposes three hierarchical, ontological realms: empirical, actual, and

real (Bhaskar, 1978, as cited in Park & Peter, 2022). Entities inside this organized framework

of reality are made up of experiences, events, and mechanisms, with each notion uniquely

aligned with its domain of reality (Collier, 1994; Danermark et al., 2002, as cited in Park &

Peter, 2022). The outermost layer of empirical reality includes experiences in which people

observe, witness, or interpret occurrences. In this particular case study, it is clear that the
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family is struggling to maintain their house and has fallen behind on rent payments. Concerns

have been expressed regarding the house's state, prompting demands to clean up to avoid

tenancy breaches and possible eviction. In addition, the family has sought help from a support

worker to develop a payment plan to prevent losing their home. Furthermore, the youngsters

are mistreated and subjected to deplorable living circumstances, prompting a referral to Child

Services about their wellbeing. In Critical Realism, the intermediate stratum of actual reality

pertains to events. According to this viewpoint, individuals' experiences on the surface layer

of empirical reality are caused by events that occur at the actual level of reality. This suggests

that empirical experiences are essentially tied to, but separate from, events taking place at the

actual level of reality (Fleetwood, 2015, as cited in Park & Peter, 2022). The ontological

essence of reality does not depend on universal experiences. In this case study, it is noted that

the family lives in a three-bedroom home with a small kitchen. They have a huge dog noted

for its aggressive barking. Rua's sister is unable to care for her children while receiving long-

term mental treatment. As a result, financial hardship is clear, exacerbated by the absence of

help from Rua's sister. Rua and Kaylie both display high levels of stress as a result of their

current situations. Rua works irregularly and solely for income, which helps Kaylie buy

groceries. Meanwhile, one of the children, Brayden, dislikes school, particularly reading, but

shows a feeling of responsibility by caring for the younger siblings. Positivists adhere to a

restricted ontology, believing in a single-layered reality made up completely of observable

events and combining the ontological realms of the actual and empirical. Critical realists, on

the other hand, contend that events occur independently at the intermediate level of actual

reality, apart from the experiences that unfold at the empirical level (Danermark et al., 2002,

as cited in Park & Peter, 2022). The causal level has a profound impact on social life. Critical

realists frequently argue that the reality experienced at the empirical level is the result of

causal mechanisms inherent in entities, such as social institutions, located in the deepest
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stratum of reality. This knowledge differs from both the actual world, where events occur, and

the empirical layer, where events are impacted by people's perceptions (Park & Peter, 2022).

In the case study, various underlying reasons may have contributed to the concerns raised.

For instance, the financial burden may have gone unnoticed since Rua and Kaylie were also

responsible for caring for their nieces and nephews without financial help, which made it

impossible to provide suitable living circumstances. Furthermore, the couple appears to be

dealing with mental health issues, including stress and problems concentrating. Rua's Pacific

Islander heritage may make it difficult for him to get steady employment, despite his attempts

to earn money for necessities. Furthermore, Brayden's unwillingness to attend school may be

due to bullying rather than a real disdain for education. Recognizing this ontological gap

allows us to get a more complete grasp of the complicated interaction between subjective

perceptions, objective occurrences, and underlying causal mechanisms. This paradigm

emphasizes the need of taking into account various layers of reality when examining social

phenomena, allowing for a more nuanced and comprehensive examination of people's lived

experiences and the variables that shape them. It highlights the need of addressing both the

visible symptoms of issues and their underlying fundamental causes, allowing for more

effective treatments and support solutions. (Danermark et al., 2002, as cited in Park & Peter,

2022).

Structural social work links individual issues to greater systemic imbalances. It

focuses on the social structure, concentrating on how systemic inequalities, rather than human

flaws, are the root causes of people's problems (Gil, 1998; Healy, 2000, as cited in George &

Marlowe, 2005). At the foundation of structural social work is an understanding of the

different layers of oppression that connect on personal, cultural, and institutional levels. Each

of these layers contributes to the perpetuation of oppression, with impacts from one level
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affecting oppression on others (Mullaly, 2002; Thompson, 1997 as cited in George &

Marlowe, 2005). In the scenario presented, being of mixed ethnicity brings substantial

obstacles due to previous adversity. Furthermore, unaddressed mental health difficulties

aggravate the situation, limiting the individual's ability to concentrate on responsibilities such

as housework. The family's financial challenges, with the breadwinner barely covering

expenditures from an uncertain cash-only job, exacerbate their problems. Collectively, these

elements add to the family's troubles. In this perspective, the social worker takes an

empowering approach, which is central to the aims of structural social work. Through this

method, the social worker seeks to empower individuals by increasing their personal,

interpersonal, and political authority. This empowerment allows individuals to act and make

constructive changes to better their lives (Moreau, 1990, as cited in George & Marlowe,

2005).

By embracing critical realism, social workers can obtain a better grasp of the varied

nature of causality in social settings. This awareness allows them to traverse the intricacies of

dealing with diverse types of traumas, taking into account not just current concerns, but also

underlying structural and systemic impacts. Adopting a critical realism approach allows

social workers to better create interventions that address fundamental causes, resulting in

more comprehensive and effective care for individuals and communities affected by trauma.

By admitting the existence of this underlying reality, critical realism encourages us to take a

more nuanced and compassionate approach to understanding others. Rather than passing

judgment based merely on outward appearances or current circumstances, this viewpoint

urges us to dig deeper, evaluating the intricate interplay of elements that may influence a

person's conduct or experiences. As a social worker, you may make a significant impact in the

lives of people by valuing empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to identifying the

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underlying reasons of behavior and experiences. Your approach exemplifies the essence of

critical realism, which emphasizes the significance of identifying the layers of reality that

create human life and attempting to comprehend the intricate interaction of circumstances

that impact individuals.

Overall, critical realism and structural theory provide important insights for social

work practice, assisting in comprehending complicated challenges and guiding responses.

Through a case study examination, we were able to demonstrate how these theories

emphasize the root causes of societal issues while also reflecting empathy and social justice.

By adopting these beliefs, social workers may successfully advocate for systemic change and

improve the well-being of people and communities.

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