Question

Evaluaate the disadvantages of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with an individual from a racial or ethnic minority group

(a) a Latino immigrant

(b) individuals who are physically disabled

Answer 1

The Psychosocial framework is a significant model whose aim is to restore, maintain and enhance the functioning of an individual both personally and socially. Certain drivers of this approach are concepts of diversity and gender in social work. It focuses on how individuals react to their social environment and in turn are shaped by them.

This theory proposes the concept of crisis. It is said that individuals grow with each crisis which leads to the growth of self. This is called as Maturation. Some of the crisis as proposed by this framework are:

1. Trust versus mistrust

2. Industry versus inferiority

3. Intimacy versus isolation

The disadvantages of the psychosocial framework in social work practice with an individual from a racial or ethnic minority group:

a) Latino immigrant: Findings of psychosocial framework are based on general population. In this process, a Latino immigrant would be represented in a negligible way. As a result their perspective would not be shown on paper. The data collected is thus unequally represented.

b) Individuals who are physically disabled: Following a psychosocial framework for individuals who are physical disabled might have certain disadvantages as they would be subjected to the stereotypes a society holds. This might lead to under achievement of their potentials. It would also result in low self esteem and isolation. Many researchers therefore see this framework as discriminating.