Overview

Both social change and community development are interlinked and play a vital role in macro-level social work practice. Social workers operating at this level use these theories to guide their efforts in policy analysis and advocacy, program development and evaluation, community organizing, and social planning. They aim to not only address immediate needs but also to work towards systemic change that can improve the quality of life for individuals and communities over the long term.

social change

These theories encompass a wide range of ideas about how societal change occurs and what factors contribute to it. In the context of social work, understanding these theories help  identify and leverage the dynamics that can lead to improved social conditions, justice, and equity. Social change theories often focus on the processes through which societal norms, values, structures, and institutions evolve over time. They can include perspectives on power relations, economic systems, political structures, and cultural beliefs.

Examples of theories that can be applied to social change:

• Conflict Theory:
  • Suggests that social change is driven by conflicts between competing interests, often along lines of class, race, or gender.
  • Emphasizes the role of power struggles and inequality in fostering change.
• Functionalism:
  • Views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
  • Change occurs when societal systems seek equilibrium and adaptation to new conditions.
• Social Constructionism:
  • Argues that reality is constructed through social interactions and shared meanings.
  • Social change happens through shifts in collective perceptions, norms, and values.
• Evolutionary Theory:
  • Proposes that societies evolve gradually from simple to more complex forms.
  • Emphasizes gradual change through adaptation and innovation.
• Modernization Theory:
  • Suggests that development and progress are achieved through the adoption of Western-style modernization, including industrialization and democracy.
  • Focuses on the transition from traditional to modern societies.
• Dependency Theory:
  • Contrasts with modernization theory by arguing that underdevelopment in certain countries is caused by their dependence on more developed countries.
  • Highlights the importance of changing international relations to foster local development.
• Critical Theory:
  • Focuses on critiquing and changing society as a whole, rather than simply understanding or explaining it.
  • Advocates for societal change to reduce oppression and increase freedom and justice.
• Feminist Theory:
  • Examines gender inequalities in society and advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
  • Emphasizes the role of gender dynamics and patriarchal structures in shaping society.
• Postmodern Theory:
  • Questions the grand narratives and ideologies of modernism, suggesting that reality is fragmented and constructed through discourse.
  • Social change is seen as nonlinear, unpredictable, and influenced by multiple narratives and identities.
• Ecological Theory:
  • Looks at how environmental factors interact with social systems to influence change.
  • Stresses the interconnectedness of human societies and the natural environment, advocating for sustainable development practices.

Community theory and community Development

Community Theory

The work of Ferdinand Tönnies is highlighted as being foundational to the development of community theory (Netting, Kettner, McMurtry, & Thomas, 2012). Tönnies identified two concepts that represent formal and informal relationships: (1) Gemeinschaft- informal (2) Gesellschaft- formal (Netting, et al., 2012). Examples of informal relationships include groups of friends and a neighborhood. Examples of Gesellschaft include government entities.

Gemeinschaft:

• Intimate and personal
• Community
• Caring
• Bonds that are mutual

Gesellschaft:

• Relationships that are more formal
• Relationships are formed to complete the mission (e.g. task, goal)

Themes of communities (Netting et al., 2012):

1. Space
2. People
3. Shared values and institutions
4. Interaction
5. Distribution of power
6. Social system

These theories can be used to explore community functioning:

• Systems theory
• Human behavior
• Human ecology
• Conflict theory
• Resource mobilization theory (social movements need a collective identity)
• Power dependency theory (communities are dependent on resources from external sources)

Community Development, Social Planning Methods, and Social Planning Methods

Community development is a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. It often involves hard-to-see “capacity building” for improving the community. Similar to the generalist social work practice models, macro social work also incorporates a similar helping process (e.g., exploration, engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, goal attainment, and termination).

Types of macro social work:

• Community Organizing
• Organizational Change
• Policy Development

Each of these macro social work practices plays a vital role in promoting social change, addressing systemic barriers, and improving the wellbeing of communities and societies at large.

Note: The following is an accordion. Click on the terms to expand the content.

Source of the table (used for educational purposes only): Hepworth et al. (2023, pp. 326-327)

Community Organizing Methods

Community organizing methods are techniques and strategies used to mobilize individuals and groups within a community to collectively address and resolve issues affecting their lives. These methods focus on building community capacity, empowering residents, and fostering participatory decision-making to achieve social, economic, and environmental justice. Key methods of community organizing include:

• Asset Mapping: Identifying the strengths, resources, and assets within a community to build on existing capacities for development projects.
• Building Coalitions: Creating alliances between various stakeholders, including community members, organizations, and institutions, to support a common goal.
• Door-to-Door Canvassing: Engaging community members directly at their homes to gather information, raise awareness, and mobilize support for community issues or campaigns.
• Community Meetings and Forums: Organizing gatherings that provide a platform for community members to voice concerns, share ideas, and make collective decisions.
• Social Media and Digital Advocacy: Utilizing online platforms to organize, mobilize, and raise awareness on community issues, reaching a broader audience.
• Participatory Action Research (PAR): Involving community members in the research process to identify community needs and develop actionable strategies.
• Direct Action: Organizing sit-ins, protests, or other forms of non-violent action to draw attention to community issues and pressure decision-makers.

Social Planning Methods

Social planning is a systematic and strategic process focused on addressing social issues and improving the welfare of communities through the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, programs, and services. It involves a comprehensive approach to identifying social needs, setting goals, mobilizing resources, and coordinating efforts among various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and residents. Here are some key aspects of social planning:

• Needs Assessment: Evaluating the needs of a community by gathering and analyzing data on various social issues such as housing, education, healthcare, and employment.
• Goal Setting: Establishing clear, achievable objectives based on the identified needs and priorities of the community.
• Resource Mobilization: Identifying and securing the necessary resources, including financial, human, and informational, to implement plans and initiatives.
• Collaboration: Engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the planning process to ensure diverse perspectives are considered and to build consensus around goals and strategies.
• Program Development: Designing programs and services that address the specific needs of the community, guided by the findings from the needs assessment and goal-setting stages.
• Implementation: Carrying out the planned activities, programs, and services, often involving the coordination of efforts across different sectors and organizations.
• Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of the implemented programs and services in meeting the community’s needs and achieving the set goals, and making necessary adjustments.

self-check

Reference

Hepworth, D. H., Vang, P. D., Blakey, J. M., Schwalbe, C., Evans, C. B. R., Rooney, R.H., Rooney, G.D., & Strom, K.  (2023). Direct social work practice: Theory and skills (11th ed.). Cengage Learning, Inc.