Assignment 1 2026
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Due Date: 2026
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, SECTION A
1.1 Strengths Perspective
Definition
The strengths perspective focuses on recognising people’s abilities, skills and
resources, and supporting them to use these strengths to deal with challenges and
improve their lives (Erlank, 2020).
Advantages
The strengths perspective places strong value on what people can do, instead of
what they cannot do, which helps build confidence and hope (Erlank, 2020). It
supports empowerment because clients are encouraged to take an active role in
solving their own problems (Erlank, 2020). The approach respects people’s dignity
by recognising their existing knowledge, including indigenous knowledge systems
(Erlank, 2020). It also promotes collaboration between the social worker and the
client, which strengthens trust and improves outcomes (Erlank, 2020). Another
advantage is that it identifies resources within families and communities, making
interventions more practical and sustainable (Erlank, 2020). This perspective
encourages growth and development by focusing on possibilities rather than
limitations (Erlank, 2020).
Limitations
The strengths perspective may overlook serious problems if too much attention is
given to strengths alone (Erlank, 2020). Ignoring weaknesses can result in poor
decision-making and ineffective interventions (Erlank, 2020). Some clients may face
deep structural challenges such as poverty or trauma that cannot be addressed only
through strengths (Erlank, 2020). The approach may also place pressure on clients
to appear strong even when they need support (Erlank, 2020). In certain cases,
clients may struggle to identify their strengths, especially when they have low self-
esteem (Erlank, 2020). This can limit the effectiveness of the intervention (Erlank,
2020). The perspective may therefore need to be combined with other approaches to
ensure a balanced understanding of both strengths and challenges (Erlank, 2020).
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