Case Study Essay

This assessment helps you to meet course objectives:

1). Critically analyse the appropriateness of particular theories for use in SW practice

2). Analyse and demonstrate a culturally competent approach to SW practice

3). Articulate and apply a broad sociopolitical framework to practice

Theories help bring together a range of explanations that have a bearing on your interpretation, decisions, interventions, or strategies (Cleak & Wilson, 2012). Theory helps us as social workers to explain phenomena and our decisions (Chenoweth & McAuliffe, 2015).

Therefore it is crucial that you are able to identify and articulate the difference between theories. For example, feminist theories can help us understand gender relationships, and systems theories can help us understand linkages and interactions between people and their environment, strengths perspective helps us to remember to look for and build on the qualities, skills and abilities systems already possess (Connolly & Healy, 2015) .

This assignment has two parts

First To demonstrate your understanding of the main theory grouping, describe the main features of each and then briefly analyse the difference between, the following broad theory classifications as outlined in the topic 2 course materials:

• modern
• postmodern
• critical
• post-structural

Second: Choose two different theories (i.e. one modern and one critical.) and apply each to the case study, using it as a lens to highlight certain features of the case. How would each theory influence your approach to assessment with this family and what does each theory help you to see that would be included in your assessment? Be specific with your responses. How well does each theory align with social
work values - again be specific and identify particular parts of the AASW code of ethics. Mary and Anna live with their two children Jeremy (8) and Justin (12). They have recently bought a small home in a quiet neighbourhood where both boys attend the local primary school.

Mary and Anna have been in a committed relationship for the last fifteen years despite the fact Anna's parents are very much against the relationship and do not like Mary. Anna's family is Italian with strong Catholic beliefs. Anna's father has not spoken to her for fifteen years and will only allow her mother to speak with her briefly at Christmas and Easter time. Mary is of aboriginal decent and describes her family as supportive but living a long way away. Anna is a computer programmer and describes herself as the main breadwinner at this stage. Mary is the main carer for the boys and does most of the work around the house. This was the arrangement the couple decided on in the early days of their relationship. In the last twelve months Mary has begun to experience periods of anxiety and lately is reluctant to leave the house. Anna thinks this started after they were the targets of verbal abuse about their sexuality. Mary adds that residents of the neighbourhood are very conservative and that the boys are also being bullied at school because they have ' two mums: Last week Justin got angry with Mary and Anna after other kids were teasing him saying his family was 'not normal' and that he must be gay. Mary and Anna are beginning to think that buying a house in that area was not a good idea, they don't know how to improve the situation and can't afford to move.

You should draw on social work theoretical. and knowledge and so it is important to access and use the social work literature. Your work must also demonstrate cultural competence and social work values. Please reference any works that inform your thinking in this assignment. I recommend a minimum of eight references- do not reference the lecture slides. This is an academic piece of work and academic writing
conventions apply. I also strongly recommend that you review the feedback sheet before you commence writing the assignment.

The word limit for this assignment is 1800 words, this does not include the reference list but does include in text citation - budget your
words carefully. As a guide plan to use approximately 150 words on the introduction, 400 - 500 words on the analysis of theory in part one,1000 words on part two and 150 words on a succinct conclusion. Markers will stop marking at the word limit plus 10%. Anything beyond that will not be read or counted as part of your assignment.