A relational understanding of strengths-based practice in social work

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.