The strengths perspective in social work practice

🤖 Plain-English Summary

Over the last 30 years or so, the strengths perspective has been fundamental in helping to develop a social work practice that is both person-centred and empowering; one of its key proponents throughout this time has been Dennis Saleebey (1936–2014). He also, however, takes on its critics – those who suggest that strengths-based approaches offer too rosy a view of human nature, or that it is too simplistic in its assumptions about the essential good in people.

🔑 Key Findings

• In this article, Saleebey sets out the main characteristics of the strengths perspective.
• He also, however, takes on its critics – those who suggest that strengths-based approaches offer too rosy a view of human nature, or that it is too simplistic in its assumptions about the essential good in people.
• Our chosen extract focuses not on the critics, but on the detailed introduction that Saleebey offers of this life-affirming, positive and ultimately optimistic approach to the task of social work.

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