BSW4802
ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
,Integrated Service Delivery in Social Welfare - BSW4802
ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
SECTION A
Question 1
1.1 Strengths Perspective (8)
The strengths perspective focuses on individuals’, groups’, and communities’ existing
abilities, resources, resilience, and capacities rather than concentrating only on
problems and deficits. This perspective assumes that all people possess strengths that
can be mobilised to improve their situations.
Strengths of the Strengths Perspective
One major strength of the strengths perspective is that it empowers clients by
recognising their abilities and potential. Instead of viewing service users as helpless or
dependent, social workers encourage them to identify and utilise their personal and
community resources. This promotes self-confidence and self-determination.
Another strength is that it promotes collaboration between the social worker and the
client. The client becomes an active participant in the helping process rather than a
passive recipient of services. This strengthens the professional relationship and
increases commitment to intervention goals.
The strengths perspective also promotes resilience. Clients who have experienced
trauma, poverty, discrimination, or social exclusion are encouraged to recognise how
they have survived and coped despite adversity. This can motivate positive change and
future growth.
, Furthermore, the perspective supports culturally sensitive practice because it values
clients’ lived experiences, indigenous knowledge, traditions, and community networks. It
avoids imposing professional authority in a way that undermines clients’ dignity.
Limitations of the Strengths Perspective
Despite its advantages, the strengths perspective has several limitations. One limitation
is that it may underestimate the seriousness of structural problems such as
unemployment, inequality, racism, gender-based violence, and poverty. Focusing
mainly on strengths may ignore the social conditions that contribute to clients’
difficulties.
Another limitation is that some clients may struggle to identify strengths due to severe
trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, or prolonged marginalisation. In such cases,
focusing only on strengths may appear unrealistic or insensitive.
The perspective may also minimise risk factors and urgent problems that require
immediate intervention. For example, situations involving child abuse, domestic
violence, or suicidal behaviour require attention to danger and protection, not only
strengths.
Finally, critics argue that the strengths perspective can become too idealistic if
practitioners fail to balance empowerment with realistic assessments of clients’ needs
and environmental barriers.
1.2 Social Justice Perspective (8)
The social justice perspective focuses on equality, human rights, fairness, and the
elimination of oppression and discrimination. It aims to address unequal power relations
and promote social change.
ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
,Integrated Service Delivery in Social Welfare - BSW4802
ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
SECTION A
Question 1
1.1 Strengths Perspective (8)
The strengths perspective focuses on individuals’, groups’, and communities’ existing
abilities, resources, resilience, and capacities rather than concentrating only on
problems and deficits. This perspective assumes that all people possess strengths that
can be mobilised to improve their situations.
Strengths of the Strengths Perspective
One major strength of the strengths perspective is that it empowers clients by
recognising their abilities and potential. Instead of viewing service users as helpless or
dependent, social workers encourage them to identify and utilise their personal and
community resources. This promotes self-confidence and self-determination.
Another strength is that it promotes collaboration between the social worker and the
client. The client becomes an active participant in the helping process rather than a
passive recipient of services. This strengthens the professional relationship and
increases commitment to intervention goals.
The strengths perspective also promotes resilience. Clients who have experienced
trauma, poverty, discrimination, or social exclusion are encouraged to recognise how
they have survived and coped despite adversity. This can motivate positive change and
future growth.
, Furthermore, the perspective supports culturally sensitive practice because it values
clients’ lived experiences, indigenous knowledge, traditions, and community networks. It
avoids imposing professional authority in a way that undermines clients’ dignity.
Limitations of the Strengths Perspective
Despite its advantages, the strengths perspective has several limitations. One limitation
is that it may underestimate the seriousness of structural problems such as
unemployment, inequality, racism, gender-based violence, and poverty. Focusing
mainly on strengths may ignore the social conditions that contribute to clients’
difficulties.
Another limitation is that some clients may struggle to identify strengths due to severe
trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, or prolonged marginalisation. In such cases,
focusing only on strengths may appear unrealistic or insensitive.
The perspective may also minimise risk factors and urgent problems that require
immediate intervention. For example, situations involving child abuse, domestic
violence, or suicidal behaviour require attention to danger and protection, not only
strengths.
Finally, critics argue that the strengths perspective can become too idealistic if
practitioners fail to balance empowerment with realistic assessments of clients’ needs
and environmental barriers.
1.2 Social Justice Perspective (8)
The social justice perspective focuses on equality, human rights, fairness, and the
elimination of oppression and discrimination. It aims to address unequal power relations
and promote social change.
