Social Work: Are Theories Necessary?
Reaction to Dr. Barbara Simon’s Article
Dr. Barbara Simon makes a convincing case for theorizing in social work and describes theory as the intellectual scaffolding that supports competent and ethical practice. This echoes my fieldwork experience at In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in San Joaquin County, where complex client cases needed more than straightforward procedure but required critical thinking from applying conceptually based frameworks.: Social Work: Are Theories Necessary?
For example, systems theory was used to contextualize behaviors in a family or larger societal structure when assessing home safety needs and eligibility for services of clients (Jason & Bobak, 2022). The concept of theory as a conceptual screen that reduces massive data into meaningful cues rightly resonates with my thought processes in working across dissimilar client conditions under the pressure of time limitation.
Reaction to Dr. Barbara Simon’s Article
Dr. Bruce Thyer argues that theory is unnecessary, contending that so many theories are outdated, poorly taught, or lack evidence and that developing practical skills leads to better client outcomes. His position is provocative but only partially fits my fieldwork. Effectiveness at IHSS was frequently based upon rapid response and procedural efficiency rather than deep theoretical knowledge, especially during eligibility assessments.
I noticed that workers who never spent the time to deepen their thoughts on the theory became reliant upon checklists, the rigid application of which may ignore the nuances of client needs (Lwamba et al., 2022). Thyer is right that schools focus only briefly on theories, but not using theories in practice can result in only technically correct actions without real understanding.
Do you agree with Dr. Simon or Dr. Thyer? Why?
What Dr. Barbara Simon points out about social work being driven by values rather than just procedures. Theory allows practitioners to generalize learning, predict outcomes, and justify actions in client-centered, ethically defensible ways.
Understanding theories such as a person in the environment at IHSS allowed me to look at how poverty, disability, and caregiving dynamics intersected in ways unachievable by checklists. Practical tools are important, but theory is the lens by which these tools are used. This, therefore, makes theory integration into practice both competent and compassionate for social work.
References
Jason, L. A., & Bobak, T. (2022). Using systems theory to improve intervention outcomes. Professional Psychology Research and Practice, 53(4), 415–422. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000467
Lwamba, E., Shisler, S., Ridlehoover, W., Kupfer, M., Tshabalala, N., Nduku, P., Langer, L., Grant, S., Sonnenfeld, A., Anda, D., Eyers, J., & Snilstveit, B. (2022). Strengthening women’s empowerment and gender equality in fragile contexts towards peaceful and inclusive societies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1214
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Question 
Social Work: Are Theories Necessary?
Your classmates are also your colleagues and a social support system. Similarly, the other social workers you may work with in your agency will become colleagues and a social support system.
As colleagues, you may discuss sometimes controversial issues in the field of social work. Remember, you can agree to disagree with respect—which is key as you discuss and debate. As evidenced by Drs. Simon and Thyer, even the role of theories in social work can lead to disagreements.
For this discussion, provide
- A brief reaction to Dr. Barbara Simon’s article about theories being necessary in social work as you think about her position in relation to your fieldwork experience
- A brief reaction to Dr. Bruce Thyer’s article about theories not being necessary in social work as you think about his position in relation to your fieldwork experience
- Do you tend to agree with Dr. Simon or Dr. Thyer? Why?
Social Work: Are Theories Necessary?
Notes:
- Pls Note: My place of fieldwork was IHSS (In home supportive services San Joaquin County.
- The two articles are attached.
- Textbook link: https://mbsdirect.
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