Social Policy Development: The Strengths Perspective

Methods of social policy development, like methods of social work intervention at the direct interpersonal level, have typically been problem focused and pathology oriented. The strengths perspective, which posits that the strengths and resources of people and their environment rather than their problems and pathologies should be the central focus of the helping process in social work, can be used to reformulate problem-focused, pathology-centered approaches to social policy development. This article makes the argument that integration of the strengths perspective into the social policy-making process can provide policy practitioners with new tools for conceptualizing social needs or problems, a more inclusive approach to policy formulation, and an expanded array of empowering policy options. Methods for initiating this integration are also discussed.