Defining And Analysing Groupwork Social Work Essay

Defining And Analysing conclave hammer Social train EssayGroups whitethorn be defined in many ways, indeed providing an positive definition of a convention, as with much of the theory around group bunk, is highly problematic and contestable. However for the purposes of discussing groupwork in spite of appearance a context of working with boyish people we may define a group as a small gathering of young people. Group work may simplistically be set forth as the study and application of the processes and outcomes experienced when a small group comes together.Konopka (1963) defines groupwork as a method of social work that is utilised in crop to help individuals to enhance their social functioning through purposeful group experiences, and to cope more effectively with their private, group or community problems. This definition shows a tradition at bottom groupwork of helping individuals with problems. Brown provides a modernised and more comprehensive definition of group work (1994, p.8). He states that groupwork provides a context in which individuals help each other it is a method of helping groups as well as helping individuals and it stomach enable individuals and groups to influenceand changepersonal, group, organisational and community problems (original emphasis). He goes on to distinguish between relatively small and neighbourhood centred work and macro, societal and political approaches within community work, explaining that only the former may be mightily classified as groupwork.Thus the role of groupwork cannister be seen as one which places emphasis on sharing of thoughts, ideas, problems and activities.Roles within GroupsEach individual within a group has a role to play in the development of that group to a greater or lesser extent. Through observation, understanding of difference, sentience of personal resourcesand effective communication(Douglas, 1995), each member may affect group processes and individual emotions. Roles develop with in groups two through formal appointment and because of the personal characteristics and interpersonal relationships that develop between members. Roles which develop can be constructive and support the group and its members in achieving its goals, or can be destructive and work against the overall group aims. Individuals within the group can develop several roles and at times these may conflict. For example a PTV member who was designated as leaderfor a specific task, also played a clownand was fond of practical jokes. The fooling around led to a lack of trust from other group members creating a conflict with the leadership role.As the group begins to develop an understanding of four things can be attaindObservation the way we behave is based upon what we observe of ourselves, and what we make of others and their reactions to us.Differences personally and socially generated the effects they have on behaviour and understanding.Resources frequently stemming from difference plainly are the source of potential power for a group and an individual.Communication considered to be natural but subject to many barriers that remain largely unknown unless a conscious effort is made to catch them(Douglas, 1995, p. 80-97)Through supportive roles, groups may play a part in reducing oppression generated externally to the group. Groupwork can be used as a medium for oppressed groups to help these groups adjust in society, and moreover to help society to adjust towards these groups. This can be achieved by individual refilling in which we can help individuals to adjust to social life and manage tension gain confidence, high self esteem, and in getting and retentivity employment etc.. Societal or community rehabilitation involves helping the society to have meaningful contact with individuals and groups which are discriminated against and oppressed (Osei-Hwedie, Mwansa, and Mufune, 1990, p. 188).Preston-Shoot describes groupwork creating a palpate of belonging and mutua l identity encouraging the formation of relationships which foster mutual identification and influence, thus feelings of isolation and singularity with issues of difference and oppression may be reduced. Also, the group may be encouraged to use its internal resources to move towards individual or group problem-resolution, reducing feelings of helplessness, building self worth, and discourage worker dependency (Preston-Shoot, 1987, p. 6-28). Smith concurs with this view of the suitability of groupwork, stating Groups are obvious sites of interaction and within them a sense of connectedness or community with others can be fostered (Smith, 1994, p.111). This connectedness is a valuable tool with which to take exception discrimination and oppression, for as Piven and Cloward argue, it is only when we act collectively that change can begin (Piven and Cloward, 1993). purpose Group Work Double Edged Sword?To state that group work is not an exact science is something of an understatement . As we have seen, it is problematic to even off define what is meant by a group as no absolute definition exists. Similarly most, if not all, concepts within group work theory can be, and are, contested.Groups are extremely important in the lives of all individuals. Johnson and Johnson (1975, p1-2) state many of our goals can be achieved only with the cooperation and coordination of others.However the success of any group depends on the ability of its members to exchange ideas freely and to feel involved in the life and decisions of the group (Massallay, 1990). All groups within youth work have goals, i.e. a emerging state of affairs. It is important that short term and long term goals are set realistically if the group is to develop and function effectively. These functions are achieved through the trouble of leadership and the development of individual roles within each group.A group is said to be successful if it1. accomplishes group tasks2. maintains the group internally, an d3. develops and adapts to improve effectiveness.(Massallay, 1990)Groupwork can be used as an effective tool for many youth work situations, not least of which is as a medium for challenging oppression both within groups and individuals. Thus, we have seen the emergence and development of girls issue groups and black young peoples projects that offer mutual support as well as working to challenge oppression. Yet we have seen that through the development stages of a groups life there are many opportunities for individuals to develop and focus oppressive behaviour internally within a group.A grasp of theoretical understanding of group behaviour and functioning can help to explain individual and group behaviour, and help us to achieve our ultimate aim as youth workers, that of informal education. It is important not to treat group work as an exact science with authoritative answers. Indeed many of the questionswe must ask ourselves are unclear, thus the answersare a best guess, or a b enchmark that we can develop on and work around.Finally, let us consider briefly the historical context of group work development and the purpose it has not only within youth work, but society at large. As Taylor reminds us A moments reflection shows that the social groupwork beloved of liberalism is the product of the American capitalist concern to develop more sophisticated management techniques (Taylor, 1987, p. 140). Let us be careful to use group work to promote democracy and not fall into the trap of using group work as yet another tool for promoting social control in a capitalistic state. Student Youth Work Online 1999-2001 Please continuously reference the author of this page.References Recommended ReadingAdair, J. (1988) Effective LeadershipLondon PanBarker, L. L., Cegala, D. J., Kibler, R. J. and Wahlers, K. J. Groups In ProcessNew Jersey, USA Prentice-HallBond, T. (1986) Games for Social and Life SkillsLondon HutchinsonBrandes, D. and Phillips, H (1977) Gamesters Handbo okGreat Britain Stanley ThornesBrown, A. (1994) Groupwork 3rdEditionGreat Yarmouth Ashgate issueDearling, A. and Armstrong, H. (1994) The New Youth Games BookGreat Britain Russell House PublishingDouglas, T. (1983) Groups Understanding People Gathered TogetherLondon RoutledgeDouglas, T. (1995) Survival In Groups The Basics of Group MembershipBuckingham Open University PressDynes, R. (1990) Creative Games in GroupworkGreat Britain Winslow PressGarland, J. Jones, H. and Kolody, R. (1968) A model for stages of development in social workgroups in Bernstein, S. (Ed.) Explorations in GroupworkBoston Boston University School of Social WorkHeap, K. (1977) Group Theory for Social WorkersGreat Britain Pergamon PressKonopka, G. (1963) Social Group Work a Helping Process Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Prentice HallLeech, N. and Wooster, A. D. (1986)Personal and Social Skills A Practical Approach for the ClassroomGreat Britain RMEPMassallay, J. L. (1990) Methods, Techniques and Skills of Youth and C ommunity Work Community Action and Group Work Chapter 4. In Osei-Hwedie, K., Mwansa, L-K. and Mufune, P. (Eds.) Youth and Community Work PracticeZambia Mission PressOsei-Hwedie, K., Mwansa, L-K. and Mufune, P. (1990) Youth and Community Work Practice Methods, Techniques and SkillsZambia Mission PressPiven, F. F. and Cloward, R. A. (1993) Regulating the scurvy The Functions of Public Welfare USA Vintage BooksPreston-Shoot, M. (1987) Effective GroupworkHampshire MacmillanRogers, C. R. (1967) The process of basic encounter group In Bugental, J. F. T. (Ed.) TheChallenges of Human PsychologyNew York McGraw-HillSessoms, H. Massachusetts, D. and Stevenson, J. L. (1981) Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation ServicesUSA Allyn and BaconSmith, M. K. (1994) Local Education Community, Conversation, PraxisGreat Britain Open University PressTaylor, T. (1987) Youth Workers as Character Builders Chapter 9. In Jeffs, T and Smith, M. (Eds.) Youth WorkBasingstoke MacMillanTuckman, B. W. (1965) Developmental Sequences in Small Groups in Psychological BulletinNo. 63 p. 384-399http//youthworkcentral.tripod.com/sean3.htm