This document discusses feminist theory and empowerment theory as they relate to social work practice. It provides an overview of these theories, noting that they directly address issues of marginalization, inequality, discrimination and human rights violations. The theories emphasize reducing hierarchies and power differentials. Oppression can occur within marginalized groups such as women, racial minorities, low-income individuals, religious groups and LGBTQ+ people. Feminist theory and empowerment theory outline principles for social workers to promote empowerment, equality and inclusion through social action. The document then lists learning objectives and resources for the week's lesson on applying these theories in social work case studies and practice.

1. Week 7: Feminist Theory and Empowerment Theory
Social workers often confront issues pertaining to
marginalization, social inequality and inequities, disparities,
discrimination, and deprivation of human rights with
individuals, groups, and communities.
Theories
that directly address these issues include, but are not limited
to, feminist
theory
and empowerment theory. The underlying values of these
theories
emphasize reducing the hierarchy or power differentials
between groups (for example, between client and social worker
or between residents and those who hold power in a
community).
Oppression can occur within certain groups that have
traditionally been marginalized. These groups might include
women; racial minorities; those from low socioeconomic
brackets; religious groups; and gay, lesbian, and transgender
individuals. Feminist
theory
and empowerment
theories
outline principles, skills, behaviors, and interventions for
social workers to engage social action that promotes
empowerment, equality, and inclusion.
This week
, you explore how feminist
theory
and empowerment theory are applicable in social work practice.

2. Learning Objectives
Students will:
Summarize the major assumptions of feminist and empowerment
theories
Relate the underlying principles and values of feminist and
empowerment
theories
to the core values and ethical principles of the NASW Code of
Ethics
Apply feminist and empowerment
theories
to social work practice
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of feminist and
empowerment
theories
for social work practice
Photo Credit: Rawpixel/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty
Images
Learning Resources
Note:
To access this week’s required library resources, please click on
the link to the Course Readings List, found in the
Course Materials

3. section of your Syllabus.
Required Readings
Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017).
Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches
(6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Chapter 9: Empowerment Approach to Social Work Treatment
(pp. 142–165)
Chapter 11: Feminist
Theory
and Social Work Practice (pp. 191–208)
National Association of Social Workers. (2017).
Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers
. Retrieved from
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-
Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
Document:
Theory
Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studies (PDF)
Required Media
Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2014).
Counseling and psychotherapy
theories
in context and practice
[Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.psychotherapy.net.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/stream/w
aldenu/video?vid=277

4. This week
, watch the “Feminist Therapy” segment by clicking the
applicable link under the “Chapters” tab.
Note:
You will access this video from the Walden Library databases.
Laureate Education. (2017b).
Theories
knowledge check, part 2
[Interactive media]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Document:
Theories
Knowledge Check, Part 2 Transcript (PDF)
Discussion: Values Underlying Theory and the NASW Code of
Ethics
Every profession has a code of ethics that guides professional
behavior. In social work, the NASW Code of Ethics guides the
behavior and decision-making practices of social workers. It is
important that the
theories
social workers select in working with clients align, or are
consistent, with the values and ethical principles identified in
the NASW Code of Ethics.
In this Discussion, you align ethics and
theory
in relation to practice.

5. To prepare: Review the National Association of Social Workers
Code of Ethics listed in the Learning Resources.
By Day 3
Post
:
Select feminist
theory
or empowerment theory. Summarize the underlying principles
and values of the theory in 3 to 4 brief sentences.
Analyze the extent to which the underlying principles and
values of the
theory
are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics in 3 to 4 brief
sentences.
Briefly describe a client from your fieldwork experience and
their presenting problem in 2 to 3 sentences using the
theory
you selected.
Identify one ethical standard from the NASW Code of Ethics
that would apply to the client you described.
Explain how the
theory
is consistent with the work you did with the client and the
ethical standard.
By Day 5

6. Respond
to two colleagues:
Explain how
theories
help inform social work competencies related to engaging with
diversity and difference and advancing human rights and social,
economic, and environmental justice.
Assignment: Application of Feminist Theory to a Case Study
This week your theoretical orientation is feminist
theory
. You will use the same case study that you chose in Week 2.
Use the "Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case
Study” worksheet to help you dissect the theory. You do not
need to submit this handout. It is a tool for you to use to dissect
the theory and then you can employ the information in the table
to complete your assignment.
To upload your media to this Assignment, use the Kaltura
Media option from the mashup tool drop-down menu. Refer to
the
Kaltura Media Uploader
area in the course navigation menu for more information about
how to upload media to the course.
By Day 7
Submit a Kaltura video of yourself discussing the client from
the perspective of feminist
theory

7. .
Your video should be no longer than 5 minutes
.
Although this is a professional presentation, it is not a formal
presentation as in a speech. Imagine that you are discussing
your case with a group of peers in a meeting. To verbally
present a case can be challenging—but it is also a skill for
which practice can relieve anxiety and result in improvement.
This will give you an opportunity to practice how to deliver
material in a professional manner.
You can have notes in front of you to help you remember your
points.
However, your video
does
need to be
professional
. In other words, dress professionally, maintain eye contact as if
you were speaking in front of your colleagues, and finally be
sure to record yourself in a room that is quiet and where no one
interrupts you.
Your video presentation should include the following:
In 1 to 2 sentences, identify and describe the problem to be
worked on in your chosen case study.
In 1 to 2 sentences, explain how feminist
theory
you are utilizing defines and explains the cause of the problem.

8. In 1 to 2 sentences, use feminist
theory
to describe the role of the social worker to facilitate change in
the case study.
In the assessment phase, identify 2 assessment questions you
will ask to explore what the client’s goals are and how they will
get there.
Remember, feminist
theory
should be driving the assessment.
Describe two interventions to address the problem and explain
how the clients will implement the interventions.
Remember, feminist
theory
should be driving the interventions.
In 2 to 3 sentences, discuss how you would evaluate if one of
the interventions you identified is effective with the client.
Explain how, specifically, you will set the tone throughout your
work with the client to reduce the hierarchical relationship and
make it more collaborative.
Evaluate one strength and one limitation of feminist
theory
in working with the client.

9. Be sure to:
Identify and correctly reference the case study you have chosen.
Speak clearly.
Responses
ALTON MOORE
RE: Discussion - Week 7
COLLAPSE
Empowerment Theory
Summary of Underlying Principles and Values
Most people as individuals usually know what their needs
are better than anyone else. Although most people do not think
about it, each one of us holds the power to act upon these needs
but may not realize this during a crisis or in a difficult
situation. The individual may need guidance from someone
asking them the right questions that will help this realize and
understand this fact. They need to understand that once they
start acting on their needs and begin empowering themselves to
improve their situations, this is not a short term process. As
they continue through their life the empowering process should
also be a part of their lives. It does not matter what background
a person has, all of us have some knowledge and experience that
can be used to empower ourselves to do better in difficult
situations.

10. Consistency with the NASW Code of Ethics
As social workers using a theory such as the empowerment
theory, we are helping the clients understand and address their
problems therefore we are providing a service to these clients
which is consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics. AS the
clients progress during the use of the empowerment theory this
in turn is helping them to overcome whatever social injustice
they may have been facing which is also consistent with the
NASW Code of Ethics. Some of these clients may not exactly
feel worthy of treatment for whatever reasons but as social
workers we are to treat them with dignity and as worthy people.
As we do this hopefully the clients themselves with realize their
worth as a person. This is also consistent with the NASW Code
of Ethics.
Client
There was a male in his middle fifties who was suffering
from mental issues which eventually led him to be placed in a
Rehabilitation facility. He had lost his ability to work and had
complications from hallucinations and some depression issues.
All of this was compounded by the fact he had a history of
refusing his medications on a regular basis. The ethical standard
I would apply here is dignity and worth of a person. As time
went by while dealing with this individual, he began to
understand that his life was worth something even though he
was having these issues. Eventually he began to take his
medications until he was back on a regular schedule and in turn
his whole situation began to improve. The frequency of the
hallucinations decreased and his depression episodes were
decreased.

11. YETUNDE ODEGBILE
RE: Discussion - Week 7
COLLAPSE
The feminist theory states the different situations women
encounter, and it advocates for women and equality in the
following areas: their nationality, gender, race, and sexual
orientation (Turner,2017). Among the values upheld by
Feminist theory is social change, advocacy, equality, and
accountability, gender equality, and remove all forms of
oppression.
According to the NASW code of ethics 2019, it states that
Social workers should not practice, condone, facilitate, or
collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race,
ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief,
religion, immigration status, or mental or physical ability.
The client from my field experience is a 28years old African
American her name is Lisa; she has a history of substance abuse
and Self-harm and depression. She has two children, and she
tried getting jobs in several places, but she said places she
applied they don’t give the feminine gender jobs.
One ethical standard violated is gender discrimination; in her
situation, she is marginalized when she wants to get a job.
Feminist theory encourages me to speak out for women that
their voices are not being heard, advocating for the feminine
gender removing every form of marginalization and bring a
change to society.
Reference

12. National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of ethics
of the National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-
Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking
theoretical approaches (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford
University Press.