Suggests that social work's dual focus on the individual transacting with the environment has been underdeveloped by the profession. An array of interrelated formulations from social work and elsewhere reinforces, however, the importance of such center-moving ideas. Discusses these formulations and their impact on the profession's future…

Provides feminist analysis of Germain and Gitterman's life model of practice, revealing that the life model fails to address the problematic nature of the concept of goodness-of-fit, particularly in relation to practice with women. The life model is an example of a paradigm that does not clarify the societal problems sufficiently. (Author/ABL)

A model of intervention for meeting human needs through structural rather than individual change is described. The assumptions are that social structures cause social problems, clients are adequate people victimized by inadequate social arrangements, and social workers should act as agents of social change. Principles guiding such practice are…

Case coordination is an important social work activity with roots in the earliest objectives and functions of the profession. This article outlines the theoretical framework of case coordination and describes the tasks, skills, and knowledge essential to it. (Author)

Reviews the development of social work views about the person-environment interface as an evolutionary process. Charges that Fischer's criticism of theory and of pressing for rank empiricism and an emphasis on technique as a basis for practice is a sure way to social work's demise as a knowledge-based profession. (JAC)

The issue of short-term versus long-term treatment has been the focus of much controversy. After examining the arguments on both sides, the author concludes that certain short-term treatment strategies can be used effectively in situations usually seen as requiring long-term treatment. (Author)

Suggests a process model of deviance that allows contributions from different perspectives. The need for individual and group problem-solving strategies to negate identification with stereotypes, modifications of agency policy, public education, advocacy, or a combination of these may be indicated at different points in the process. (Author)

Traces changes in social workers' perspectives on the problem of wife abuse. Divides the changes into three time periods: discovering the problem (1976-79); consolidating the perspectives (1980-82); and transforming the problem of wife abuse (1983-84). Concludes increased focus on individual and couple treatment has deflected attention away from…

Reviews elements of the respondent, operant, and modeling theories and various principles of the exchange theory that can be combined to facilitate changes in client behavior. Proposes the behavioral exchange model as a framework to help social workers conceptualize clinical phenomena and thus gain power to influence them. (Author/JAC)

Suggests that effective use of the relationship between worker and client requires defining the concept of relationship more specifically. This may be accomplished through a consideration of the context and purpose of the particular treatment situations, the outcomes desired and the responses that are necessary to achieve these goals. (Author)

Describes frustration theory as useful for generalists in identification and specification of goals, assessment of blocks to goal attainment, problem solving, and formation of action systems. Proposes a theoretical base for understanding client systems, and helps workers to assess their behavior in relation to their professional and personal…

Describes qualitative research conducted at a Navajo Nation nursing home in Arizona. Events and circumstances resulting in nursing home placement are discussed and illustrated with case vignettes. Provides overview of Navajo history and traditions. Discussion stresses importance of acknowledging and acting on significance of culture in all aspects…

Qualitative study documents contributions of 21 Hispanic women who were identified as being active in the community. Theme concurs with primary components of self-in-relation theory. Because the research was exploratory, findings point to a broad range of topics for further study related to social work education, knowledge, ethics, and practice.…

Studies the changes taking place in the way social work is developing and using knowledge for practice. Explores how the profession has moved toward scientifically or empirically based practice. Points out new forms of knowledge already available practitioner. (Author/JAC)