Reference no: EM132287700

LO 1: Summarize Material on Social Work with Organizations, Including Several Theories of Organizational Behavior, pg #587

Provide a background of the theory/concept, covering the name of theory, theorist, or concept, and what the theory says about human development or behavior.

Describe an illustrative example of this theory concept in everyday life. The illustrative example should provide sufficient detail and link your example to specific course concepts. Use examples from your personal experiences, informal observations of those around you, or the media.

Labeling Theory

According to the Labeling theory, and the Interactionist perspective, labels can become self-fulfilling. If a person is labeled with negative attributes, they risk believing that these attributes are true, and may face an undesirable declining trajectory. In the case scenario below, you will meet a young girl named Pia. You will see that Pia's parents are approaching a tough situation in a negative manner. This negative approach is cultivating Pia's self concept and beliefs.

After reading the case scenario provided below, address a and b.

a. How can the label's that are given to Pia by her parents potentially impact her in a negative way?

b. Select and explain at least 3 positive attributes that Pia has in order to point out her strengths and build her self-esteem. (Examples of positive attributes are in module 5.)

Case Scenario

You are a social worker and Pia, an eighteen-year-old senior, has been referred to see you. Pia is scheduled to graduate in two months, however, Pia's instructors have reported a drop in her grades, and a sudden change in her demeanor. You are aware that if Pia's grades continue to decline, she runs the risk of not meeting graduation requirements. Historically, Pia excelled in high school and was a star athlete. She was known to be a reliable motivated hard worker. She was a determined leader and had goals of attending college. During the meeting, Pia reports that she is 6 weeks pregnant, and plans to marry her 19-year-old boyfriend. Pia reports that she has been forbidden to see her boyfriend, and her parents are not interested in what he or his parents have to say. Pia reports that her parents are furious, disgraced, embarrassed and have told her numerous times that she has been selfish, disrespectful, a failure, and has tarnished the family name. Pia reports that she understands that she is a failure and is ready to drop out of school.