Reflections on Chapter 11: Using Networks and Networking by Hardcastle & Powers (2004)

This chapter offers an important focus and useful tools of assessment! It's about the role of a social-worker and the need to assist clients in the assessment, development, and management of social networks. The authors make the claim that the above listed is "the crux of social work practice" (p. 293). And they mention that networking is the "holism of social work's person-in environment (P-I-E) perspective" (p. 293). The chapter also reviews the social network theory.

When working in agencies it is necessary to understand that "power in networks is an ability to get resources, influence, and get things done in the network" (p. 296). One of the reasons why social work is so important is that often individuals have little power in isolation and the need for organizations and coalitions to assist in the development of balancing power and access to resources.

"Coser(1964) has asserted that, as the world becomes more interdependent and closer, there will be a greater need for rules of conflict and for conflict resolution" (p. 302). Hardcastle and Powers provide strategies and insights to how responses to conflicts can create positive exchanges and negative exchanges. "A win-win strategy involves using collaboration and cooperation, where focusing on similar contestant needs and sharing of resources becomes a means of conflict resolution" (p.303). In discussion of strategies the authors posit that "bargaining and negotiation skills are crucial to social work advocacy and practice"(p. 304). And further explain that bargaining "requires clarity of communication between the parties, a willingness to compromise and see areas of agreement and middle ground, and a mutual recognition of legitimacy of the parties to bargain" (p. 304). Hardcastle and Powers continue to provide detailed strategies on the next few pages. One aspect that really spoke to me is to take the time to not rush into premature solutions and to not be premature with offering too much in the beginning as a way to maintain bargaining power. Worth mentioning also is that "conflict is critically necessary for the socially marginalized in changing the status quo" (p. 302). And lastly,

"social supports are positively associated with mental health and mental health gains"(p. 308).

Types of social supports are listed as "emotional aid, material aid, information, and companionship" (p. 310). "Social mapping techniques are commonly used to assess social support networks" (p. 312).

Most of this personally seems like common sense--but maybe I take this for granted? Yet the chapter does provide tools for assessment and important aspects of assessment, development and management of social networks. In addition, negative relationships of the marginalized to the welfare state and resources, is dependant in nature, therefore the need to use empowering practices when working with clients is warranted.