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Given their focus on the social functioning of people as an outcome of person-in-environment interaction, social workers are especially concerned with interactions between and among people and interactions between people and the systems that deliver social services. Therefore, they must understand social phenomena and the various levels of person-in-environment interaction.

In addition to understanding the interrelatedness of the various system levels and the kind of situations being addressed in the social worker's practice, the social worker must understand the individual person, for which a knowledge of physical and psychological development (including both normal and abnormal functioning) is essential. The social worker must also understand families and other households. The family has long been a dominant point of intervention for social workers, and knowledge of family dynamics is critically important. With the increase of nontraditional family structures, understanding alternate living and intimacy patterns has become especially important. Further, a considerable amount of practice takes place with small groups, including self-help groups, support groups, therapeutic groups, and committees. Thus, the social worker needs to understand small group behaviors and processes.

The social worker must also understand cultural and religious differences as well as personal and social issues related to ethnic identity, cross-cultural interaction, and the impact of discrimination. Since people are also influenced by the neighborhoods and communities in which they live, the social worker must be familiar with, for example, theories of decision making, intergroup conflict, and community change. In addition, he or she needs to understand prevailing community beliefs and attitudes related to ethnicity, gender roles, aging, sexual orientation, and disabling conditions.

Most social work practice takes place under the auspices of a formal organization such as a social agency, school, hospital, or correctional facility. The social worker must understand how clients and other members of the community view these organizations and how people are affected by the behavior of organizations. To work effectively within an agency or a service, a social worker must understand organizational development, structure, methods of operation, and communication patterns. Indeed, the social worker is required to possess substantial knowledge regarding the people and organizations with which he or she works.

Related disciplines: Sociology, Culture, Social Psychology

First Level Integration of Theory with Practice in Fieldwork