A relational understanding of strengths-based practice in social work

Clark, Michael ORCID: 0000-0003-4964-5005, Stevens, Madeleine ORCID: 0000-0003-3540-3494, Carlisle, Jessica ORCID: 0009-0004-2453-6069, Brimblecombe, Nicola ORCID: 0000-0002-6147-5726 and Johnson-MacGill, Miranda (2025) A relational understanding of strengths-based practice in social work. British Journal of Social Work. ISSN 0045-3102

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Abstract

Although principles underlying the concept of strengths-based are not new, approaches to social work grounded in this ethos have emerged as a priority in practice and policy in recent years. There are, though, relatively poor theoretical and empirical evidence bases to guide implementation, the lack of evidence in part due to the theoretical deficit. In this article, we articulate a more robust theoretical basis to strengths-based practice (SBP) from a relational social science perspective. The emergent nature of agents and structures through their relationality is examined. We discuss this understanding regarding (1) identity and authenticity; (2) agency, power, and empowerment, and (3) relational goods to elaborate this relational understanding of strengths-based social work. In doing this, we set more robust theoretical underpinnings for future development and evaluation of SBPs.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Care Policy and Evaluation Centre
Subjects:	H Social Sciences H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2025 14:12
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2025 05:39
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/129371

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