Power in Social Work Practice

Abstract

The role of power in social work practice has been generally understated despite its importance to the course and outcome of the clinical process. This paper examines the sources of power of workers and clients, and, by using a power-dependence perspective, it explores the consequences of power on social work practice. It is argued that, in most instances, the effectiveness of social work practice is predicated on the enhancement of the power resources of the client. Client empowerment strategies are proposed as the core tasks of social work practice.