Group Work Models
Social Goals Model
Focus- Development of social consciousness and responsibility
Underlying principles-every individual is
potentially capable of meaningful participation, need to revitalize the individual’s drive towards a common cause.
Aim of such a group-community change/support, development of democratic society-active
citizenry.
Theory base for this model-eclectic- examines
powerlessness, cultural deprivation, class/caste, gender and other social structures and the
ensuing power relationship(social, economic, political processes)
Deals with
1.Agency objectives and goals, defining appropriate
issues for collective action and exploring alternatives and consequences.
2.Group process-participation, consensus, task oriented
3.Individual involvement-leadership development, self image, identity, social skill, knowledge of
environmental resources.
Possible Types
Neighborhood groups, self help groups, action groups.
Role of Social Worker
Facilitator, organizer, advocate, developer of community resources, influence individuals for social
consciousness and a value system, role model.
Remedial Model
Focus-treatment, restoration and rehabilitation of individual.
Underlying principles-problems of adjustment of individuals, group worker has special competence.
Aim-Therapeutic
Theory –Psychoanalysis, ego psychology and others Types- drug abusers, juvenile delinquents,
alcoholics etc.,
Deals with-Worker as change agent, uses study- diagnosis-treatment approach. Uses authority, assigns tasks, roles, screens activities and works for the client not with the client.
Group-formed group, predetermined, selected, changes in group structures and process for individual goals, diagnostic in approach.
Individual-maladaptive, deficiency towards adaptation and adjustment.
Role of Worker
1. Specific treatment goals
2. Define group purpose
3. Helps develop group norms
4. Pre-structures group process.
References:
Alissi, AS (1980). Perspectives on Social Group Work Practice: A Book of Readings, New York: Free
press.
Reciprocal Model
Focus-To serve both individual and society
(William Shwartz), mutual aid, interdependence
Underlying principles- Strengthen the commonality of group members, contract between worker and group
Aim- to create a mutual and reciprocal
relationship between individual and society
Theory-systems theory and field theory
Deals with-natural family groups, residential groups, members in a common situation
Deals with- common grounds, detection of challenges and obstacles to common
ground, explore data, ideas, facts, value concepts, define requirements & limits
Role of Group Worker-negotiator,
mediator, facilitator “with” clients not “for”
or “to”
Drawbacks-mechanistic, unrealistic demands on worker, group and
environment change limited
Helps in clinical structured settings,
closed , formal and formed groups.
Goal Formulation Model
Focus- Individual and social needs vary
according to time and intensity, therefore
group has to keep on accommodating changes (Tomkins and Gallo)
Underlying principles-Recognize variance in needs, acc to time and intensity. Client-
individual as member of small group, family, community.
Aim-build quality of interaction, examine where problems lie, which system and work on it.
Theory – Eclectic, systems, social psychological, economics.
Deals with-Change in goals as change in interactions, flexibility, groups self
determination and role in the process of change.
Worker’s role: enabler, influence person, mediator, broker, advocate, direct change agent. Worker is neither a therapist or
organizer.
Group Work Recording
Focus on the process of formation-why, who
constitute it and how did you arrive at the common goal and objectives
Group members-the background information on each, analysis of dyads, triads, isolates and
scapegoat as you move along in the group development process.
Reflect on the interaction amongst members, group conflict and dynamics
Process of selection of activities, allocation of responsibilities-which model is it?
Ongoing analysis of everyday group session,
summary of session and plan of action for next day
Lessons learnt, skills developed-programme media, planning, resolving conflict etc.,
Wilson &Ryland. Social Group Work Practice.
Evaluation
Evaluation ensures-accountability towards members, self and resources
Enables testing of new skills and delineating replicable experiences and learning in real life. Allows for modification and change as required.
Source of data-insight into human
behaviour, impact of media used, practice of facilitation etc.
