Social Role Valorisation (SRV)
Social Role Valorisation (SRV) is a social theory and practice framework that aims
to improve the lives of people who are devalued or marginalised by enabling
them to attain and maintain valued social roles. Developed by Wolf
Wolfensberger during the 1980s, SRV argues that society attaches different
levels of value to particular social roles, and individuals who occupy negatively
perceived roles are more likely to experience discrimination, exclusion and
reduced life opportunities. The theory proposes that supporting people to access
socially valued roles can enhance their social inclusion, wellbeing, self-esteem
and quality of life. Within social work, Social Role Valorisation underpins
strengths-based, rights-based and person-centred practice by promoting
inclusion, dignity and equal participation within communities (Wolfensberger,
1983).
Social Role Valorisation developed from the earlier concept of normalisation,
introduced by Bengt Nirje during the 1960s to improve the lives of people with
learning disabilities living in institutional settings. Wolf Wolfensberger expanded
this work, arguing that the key issue was not simply providing ordinary living
conditions but ensuring that individuals were supported to occupy socially valued
roles. He believed that society often assigned devalued roles, such as
"dependent", "burden", "patient" or "offender", to certain groups, resulting in
stigma, discrimination and exclusion. SRV therefore focuses on changing both
social perceptions and the opportunities available to individuals (Wolfensberger,
1983).
A central principle of Social Role Valorisation is that social roles influence how
people are treated. Individuals occupying valued roles, such as employee,
student, volunteer, parent or neighbour, are generally more likely to be
respected, included and offered opportunities. Conversely, those assigned
negatively perceived roles may experience prejudice, reduced expectations and
social isolation. SRV therefore encourages practitioners to support individuals in
accessing meaningful roles that reflect their strengths, interests and aspirations.
Another important principle is social inclusion. Rather than segregating people
because of disability, mental ill health or other differences, SRV promotes
participation within ordinary community life. Individuals should have
opportunities to live, work, learn and build relationships alongside others within
Social Role Valorisation (SRV) is a social theory and practice framework that aims
to improve the lives of people who are devalued or marginalised by enabling
them to attain and maintain valued social roles. Developed by Wolf
Wolfensberger during the 1980s, SRV argues that society attaches different
levels of value to particular social roles, and individuals who occupy negatively
perceived roles are more likely to experience discrimination, exclusion and
reduced life opportunities. The theory proposes that supporting people to access
socially valued roles can enhance their social inclusion, wellbeing, self-esteem
and quality of life. Within social work, Social Role Valorisation underpins
strengths-based, rights-based and person-centred practice by promoting
inclusion, dignity and equal participation within communities (Wolfensberger,
1983).
Social Role Valorisation developed from the earlier concept of normalisation,
introduced by Bengt Nirje during the 1960s to improve the lives of people with
learning disabilities living in institutional settings. Wolf Wolfensberger expanded
this work, arguing that the key issue was not simply providing ordinary living
conditions but ensuring that individuals were supported to occupy socially valued
roles. He believed that society often assigned devalued roles, such as
"dependent", "burden", "patient" or "offender", to certain groups, resulting in
stigma, discrimination and exclusion. SRV therefore focuses on changing both
social perceptions and the opportunities available to individuals (Wolfensberger,
1983).
A central principle of Social Role Valorisation is that social roles influence how
people are treated. Individuals occupying valued roles, such as employee,
student, volunteer, parent or neighbour, are generally more likely to be
respected, included and offered opportunities. Conversely, those assigned
negatively perceived roles may experience prejudice, reduced expectations and
social isolation. SRV therefore encourages practitioners to support individuals in
accessing meaningful roles that reflect their strengths, interests and aspirations.
Another important principle is social inclusion. Rather than segregating people
because of disability, mental ill health or other differences, SRV promotes
participation within ordinary community life. Individuals should have
opportunities to live, work, learn and build relationships alongside others within
