Application of Sociological Perspectives in The Practice of Social Service Professionals

Introduction

Sociology plays a pivotal role in shaping the practices and outcomes in the realm of social services, profoundly impacting both service providers and users. To provide effective care to clients, it is imperative for social service practitioners to grasp and empathize with the unique perspectives of each individual they serve. Over the years, numerous sociological theories have emerged, offering diverse lenses through which to examine specific cases. This diverse toolkit enables practitioners to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved and, consequently, devise the most suitable care plans. In this essay, we delve into two distinct sociological perspectives, elucidating their relevance through a practical case study analysis.

Our focus in this essay centers on the case of Ms. K, a 35-year-old resident of social housing who relies on community social services for her well-being. Ms. K is currently pregnant with her new partner and has expressed her desire to retain custody of the child. However, her history includes a previous case of child neglect, which resulted in the child being placed for adoption. Additionally, Ms. K has been diagnosed with a severe mental health condition—schizophrenia. In the interest of ensuring that judicious and compassionate care decisions are made by social care professionals in Ms. K's case, we recognize the invaluable role that sociological perspectives can play. Therefore, we will apply two distinct sociological perspectives—one on the macro level and another on the micro level—to gain insights into the multifaceted factors influencing her situation.

Structural-Functionalism Perspective

One of the most widely recognized sociological perspectives is structural functionalism. This approach posits that individuals are passive by nature, and society is an external force. Socialization is viewed as a unidirectional process, portraying society in a positive light. It is perceived as stable, with all its components functioning cohesively. Moreover, it is believed that every aspect of society contributes to its survival; those aspects failing to contribute substantially are often not passed on to the next generation.

In simpler terms, every society has specific needs that require various activities for its sustained existence and potential growth. For instance, a well-structured judicial system is necessary to maintain order, and a functional political system provides guidance to its participants. Continuous production and the availability of goods and services are essential to meet the society's diverse needs. Most individuals are expected to adhere to a predefined structural model to partake in social life. According to this perspective, society is primarily examined at a macro-social level, treating it as a whole entity on a large scale. Therefore, it is generally believed that individuals' actions and behaviors are influenced by social molding, guiding them toward their expected roles.

Application to the Case

Applying this explanation to the case of Ms. K, we can discern her role as a participant in society, shaped by the social models she follows. However, it becomes evident that the structural perspectives have not been adequately adhered to in her case. She has been receiving assistance from a community social worker and residing in council flats, suggesting that her current situation may be attributed to her divergence from social norms. Her inability to conform to societal expectations could be attributed to her interactions, or lack thereof, with other social participants.

It is important to recognize the interdependence of the various societal structures. Ms. K's current situation is likely influenced by the economic, legal, and educational structures in which she finds herself. It appears that Ms. K occupies a relatively lower position within these structures, limiting her access to higher-quality care services. Given her mental health diagnosis of schizophrenia, her interaction with the legal system is noteworthy, as she has been previously detained under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act. This suggests that, for the sake of maintaining social order and equilibrium, these structures are enforced.

Additionally, under this perspective, it is emphasized that maintaining stability and order within society necessitates substantial cooperation from its members. Functionalists consider social changes to be predictable outcomes, with consensus being the fundamental pillar of social order, instilled through socialization. Shared norms and values among society's members form the bedrock of any social order. Emile Durkheim's concept of a 'collective conscience' highlights the role of shared thinking in strengthening the bonds among society's members. Ascribed status significantly influences the roles individuals assume within society.

In the current case scenario, specific issues become evident. As a parent to her previous child, Ms. K was expected to fulfill certain roles and responsibilities set by society's collective conscience for the child's overall well-being. Society's intervention is deemed appropriate if these standards are not met. This is a major factor leading to her firstborn's subsequent adoption, as she was unable to meet society's expectations and address her child's needs effectively. Moral regulations, established by society's members, govern behavior, and any deviation from these norms is met with social disapproval.

Furthermore, Ms. K's condition of paranoid schizophrenia is a significant concern for social institutions. Given her financial instability, stemming from unemployment and dependency on benefits, accessing private services may be challenging for her.

Sociologists identify two types of functions: manifest and latent. Manifest functions are easily recognized and intended consequences, while latent functions are hidden and unintended. In Ms. K's case, council flat availability and receipt of benefits can be considered manifest functions, as these services are readily accessible to her. However, finding a new partner within her locality and becoming pregnant with his child could be regarded as latent functions, as these interactions were unintended and not commonly recognized.

From a structural-functionalism perspective, it is apparent that enhancing Ms. K's social interactions is essential to shape her behavior in accordance with societal norms. She should be educated about the consequences and necessary steps required for effective child-rearing. Encouraging her to address her mental illness is crucial to providing proper care for her child. Additional support should be made available should she require assistance in coping with her condition or effectively meeting her child's needs.

Symbolic Interaction Perspective

Contrary to the broad approach of social functionalism, symbolic interactionism is a perspective that places significant emphasis on understanding the shared relationship between individuals and society. At the core of this perspective is the idea that the actions and interactions of individuals are rationalized and comprehended through meaningful communications with other members of society. In this specific viewpoint, humans take center stage, and more attention is devoted to the interactions within smaller groups rather than society as a whole. Through interactions within these limited groups, individuals gain insights into the broader societal context, allowing them to understand the intricacies of human behavior and reactions to different aspects of their surroundings.

Application to the Case

Thus, to gain a comprehensive understanding of Ms. K's situation and to devise an appropriate care plan for her, it is crucial to pay close attention to her interpersonal relationships with the people around her. Additionally, it is essential to observe how she perceives and reacts to various symbols and labels associated with her current condition. An in-depth analysis of the psychological dynamics at play in her interactions with caregivers, her partner, and her immediate environment is also necessary. Moreover, a detailed examination of why she has remained unemployed for an extended period and the barriers she faces can provide valuable insights into her psychological well-being. Symbolic interactions with others can offer a nuanced reflection of her condition.

According to symbolic interaction theory, individuals tend to interact with objects or phenomena based on the meaning those elements hold for them personally. These meanings are developed through ongoing interactions and individual interpretations. By weaving together the threads of individual actions, social actions are directed in influential ways.

Therefore, it becomes possible to observe and analyze whether her current relationship is secure and whether she is capable of assuming responsibility for her soon-to-be-born child. Evaluating these aspects within the context of her one-on-one interactions can also shed light on whether her partner is willing to share responsibility for the child. Furthermore, through counseling, it is possible to assess the mental impact she experienced during her previous breakup while pregnant with her first child. By delving into her past experiences with appropriate attention, it becomes easier to understand how she might react in specific situations. For example, it can help determine whether she will be able to assume full responsibility for her child despite her diagnosis of severe mental health conditions, all by examining her interactions and the exchange of symbols in different scenarios.

Many sociologists also suggest that, according to symbolic interactionism, an individual's sense of identity is dependent on their interactions with society. Self-conception is greatly influenced by how others interact with and label that individual. The perceptions others hold about an individual can significantly impact their self-perceptions, subsequently shaping their behavior.

In the case study at hand, these principles are notably applicable. Ms. K carries several labels, including her lack of contact with her family, her diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, and her financial instability, relying heavily on social care services for both housing and livelihood. Additionally, she has a history of neglecting a child. Given these circumstances, society may assume that she lacks the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively raise a child. Allowing her to retain custody of her child without proper intervention may increase the risk of neglect, similar to her previous experience. It is conceivable that Ms. K's own perception may align with the prevailing societal attitudes, making it challenging for her to cope with the pressure. Therefore, it is imperative that her care providers engage with her in a supportive and empathetic manner, offering the necessary guidance and assistance to help her regain control of her life.

It is crucial to ensure that any negative labels she may have internalized are transformed into more positive ones, providing her with a renewed sense of direction and self-worth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the insights offered by sociological perspectives play a vital role in enhancing the understanding of complex situations within the realm of social services. These perspectives serve as indispensable tools for social service professionals, aiding them in gaining deeper insights into the prevailing scenarios and making more informed decisions. Through the lens of structural functionalism, professionals can acquire a macro-level view of society, while symbolic interactionism allows for a focus on individual interactions. This holistic approach enables a comprehensive analysis that equips professionals with a nuanced understanding of diverse situations, ultimately facilitating the development of the most appropriate and effective care plans.