Psychology and Sociology Theories in Human Development and Social Work Practice

Overview of the Module

The module brings together and integrates theories, models and approaches from psychology and sociology to explain the functioning, growth and development of individuals, families and societies. In particular this module will enable you to integrate theories from sociology and psychology to understand how the human development of individual, groups and families is linked with social problems such as deprivation, social alienation, powerlessness and oppression. 

The overarching theoretical framework within which this module is located is a critical systems approach which explores the interconnections and linkages between individuals, families, communities and societies. This does not mean that systems theory is the only theoretical approach we will be examining. We will explore (and critique) biopsychosocial theories of human development in relation to equally (if not more important) contribution of social theories including feminism, post-structuralism, Marxism and critical race theories. Systems thinking enables these multitude of social perspectives to co-exist with individual level psychological theories and you will be encouraged to actively consider inter-relations between layers and levels of factors in your analysis and understanding of the topic.   

The module is designed to look at different levels of social work and social phenomena: micro, meso and macro. It is important that students understand that the distinction between the levels is not imposed within the lecture series because each situation or phenomenon can be analysed simultaneously from micro, meso and macro levels simultaneously. Students are therefore encouraged to think of these three levels as porous, interconnected and interrelated.

At the Micro level the module will look at the ‘individual’ and main influences that shape an individual, with a specific emphasis on the nature versus nurture debate and biopsychosocial approaches, including the role of attachment. The interactive workshops will also encourage you to critically consider the limitations of the bio-psychosocial approach and its use in isolation, and consider the social influences as well. This is especially made clear during sessions which present human development experiences and the life-course from multiple perspectives including the social, cultural and sociological (for instance, how childhood and ageing are represented in discourse).

The Meso level will look at the dynamics of families and other small groups, including norms, rules, decision-making, power and influence. In particular we will examine the role of groups in shaping consensus and affecting public opinion, dispelling and operating within stigmatizing discourses. Fluidity of group membership will also be considered including the dangers of group identification and victim blaming. Group social work will be discussed alongside the importance of narratives.

Finally, at the Macro level, sessions will broaden to consider sociological discourses around families and social problems. These will include considering the relationship between power and family function in reinforcing traditional power (example patriarchy) and providing spaces for empowerment (example through nurturing and support). We will critically consider broader discourses around post-structuralism and feminism in the shaping of heteronormative assumptions within families and consider the importance of gendered discourse, sexuality and family identity in shaping individual and social experience. We will also pay specific emphasis to the ‘race’, ‘ethnicity’ and ‘culture’ in guiding individual and familial experiences and link these to critical race theory and power discourses. Structural factors such as social class and its impact both normatively and ideologically, will be considered in shaping individual attitudes, norms, perceptions and behaviour. 

The module will hopefully enable you to think critically and systemically, and transcend silo thinking about individuals only, but consider their intersections and interlinkages with structural factors and unpack underpinning ideological and normative social discourses.  A multi-level, systemic approach will also guide your theoretical understanding of social work practice and be able to provide a sophisticated analysis of complex problems at both individual and structural levels. 

We hope this course handbook is comprehensive but please get in touch if you need further guidance. 

Wish you an engaging and successful experience on this module, 

Learning Outcomes: 

At the end of this module successful students will acquire, examine, critically evaluate, apply and integrate knowledge and understanding related to:

1. The application of relevant research, theory and knowledge from the cognate disciplines of sociology and psychology (human growth and development) to social work;
2. The role of social processes and the impact of sources of experiential and life course disadvantage that leads to marginalisation, isolation and social exclusion and how this impacts on the need for social work services;
3. The changing and dynamic nature of families and communities and the resultant implications for social work practice;
4. Psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical influences on people and human development throughout the life course and how these link to the development and understanding of need;
5. The theoretical perspectives on bio-psycho-social influences on human development, behaviour and the life stages;
6. The intersection of psychological theories and social factors with issues of discrimination, disadvantage, inequality and injustice. Successful students will also be able to:
7. Demonstrate skills commensurate with postgraduate study in presentation and debate, both verbal and written, and in the use of research and empirical data;
8. Be able to gather library and web-based resources appropriate for postgraduate study; make critical judgments about their merits and use the available evidence to construct a developed argument to be presented orally and in writing;

Be able to synthesise and evaluate complex knowledge and theoretical material from different schools and disciplines of enquiry.