Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026)
Space and Culture, India

Book Review Commentary

Social Group Work as a Method of Social Work: A Review Essay on Theory and Practice in Indian Society

Published 2026-09-26

  • Venkat Rao Pulla
    • ,
  • Subash Sharma

Venkat Rao Pulla
Fellow, FAASW, Accredtied Member, AASW, Foundation Professor of Strengths-Based- Social Work Practice, Australia

Subash Sharma
AASW, Brisbane Institute of Strengths-Based Practice, Australia

Abstract

Social group work holds a unique position among traditional social work methodologies, complementing casework (engaging with individuals) and community organisation (working with communities) as a strategy for leveraging small-group dynamics to foster personal development, mutual support, and collective empowerment. Since its inception in the west in the late 1800s, the methodology has disseminated broadly, embracing notions of identity, transparency, and therapeutic transformation that appear to be shaped within Euro-American frameworks. This review essay commences by re-examining the foundational definitions of the method, its key historical and modern manifestations, and the opportunities it provides for application in health, education, correctional social work and in the contexts of disasters. This essay presents a comprehensive critical analysis of Theory and Practice of Social Group Work in Indian Society (Balgopal et al., 2024), a seminal work that reinterprets group work theory by incorporating India's cultural, familial, and spiritual heritage rather than relying solely on external influences. The essay outlines the book's exploration of ecological theory, role theory, Gestalt therapy, Raja Yoga, and the notion of allogenic conflict, drawing on empirical case studies from family courts, disaster relief efforts, teenage groups, and rural addiction rehabilitation. The essay concludes by revisiting the overarching assertions presented at the outset, contending that the book not only exhibits but also expands the potential of social group work as a truly global approach to social work practice.

Keywords

Social Group Work, Social Work Methods, Mutual Aid, Indian Society, Ecological Perspective, Allogenic Conflict, Culturally Responsive Practice, Social Work Education, Sustainable Practices

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Author Biography

Venkat Rao Pulla

Professor Venkat Pulla is a distinguished scholar and practitioner in social work. He earned his Master's degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, received the Tata Dorabji Merit Scholarship, and earned a PhD in Social Work from Karnataka University in India. He is a Fellow and an accredited Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has maintained his membership for more than 32 years. His scholarly journey in Australia commenced at Charles Darwin University (formerly Northern Territory University), where he served as the head of the School of Social Work in 1992 to 1996.  Dr Pulla recently concluded his tenure as the Foundation Head of the School of Social Work at NAPS, Sydney.  He taught social work courses and developed curricula for both BSW and MSW programs, including field practice supervision at various Australian universities (ACU, CSW, CQU, Monash, CDU, JCU, and USC) as well as private higher education institutions like NAPS, Acknowledge Education (Sydney), IHM (Melbourne), and ACAP (Brisbane). Dr Pulla possesses considerable practical knowledge, having collaborated with governmental bodies in fields including community development, disability, migration, refugee resettlement, dual diagnosis, and multicultural social work.

Dr Pulla offers a significant portion of his work under Creative Commons licensing to enhance accessibility to his research and encourage the free distribution of information. He is known for his expertise in strengths-based practice and his research methodologies grounded in theory. Dr Pulla serves as the co-editor-in-chief of the Journal Space and Culture, India, published in the United Kingdom, and is also an associate editor for SN Social Sciences - Open Springer. He established the Brisbane Institute of Strengths-Based Practice in Australia and served as Adjunct Associate Professor at James Cook University's College of Arts, Society, and Education.

Subash Sharma

Subash Sharma, MSW, Member, AASW, is a compassionate social worker with backgrounds in healthcare, community development, and disability support. With experience in healthcare, mental health, and rural development, Subash improves people’s lives through client care and counselling.  He is a Research Assistant at the Brisbane Institute of Strength-Based Practice. Subash intends to acquire a PhD to further social work research.

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