Social work 1 essay This essay will be analysing and critique systems theory and apply it to the provide case study. This essay will first provide context by giving a brief description of systems theory. The essay will then provide an in-depth analysis of systems theory, discussing its assumptions, strengths, weaknesses, and how this theory has changed and evolved over time. This essay will then apply systems theory to the provided case study by considering how using this theory guides assessment and intervention methods in this case, what the assessment focuses on, how the theory can be used to understand the problems and how a social worker would intervene whilst guided by this theory. Finally, this essay will provide an in-depth analysis …show more content…
The systems theory has become a very popular in the social work field due to its understanding and consideration of the interaction between the induvial and the environment. Systems theory is a systematic analysis of an individual’s environment and the interactions within this environment. The core aim of this theory is to work towards creating a stable state of equilibrium for the client. This theory utilizes both social intervention and individual support to be aiming to reach the clients goals. This theory is split into three waves General Systems Theory, Ecosystems and Complex Systems Theory. The first wave, general systems theory has a biological perspective, in the way it stemmed from the Biological systems theory and uses biological terminology to explain the social world. The core concepts of this theory are derived from the biological systems theory including homeostasis, entropy, Equifinality and transactions. This theory suggests that we aim Homeostasis which is the balance between the individual and the environment and the entropy the tendency for the universe to move …show more content…
To begin Lucy and the social worker should have a conversation discussing their roles and the benefits and restraints of using systems theory. The social worker should then give a brief description of the systems approach explaining the main aim for using this approach which is to reach a state of equilibrium and discuss what this means for Lucy. After this is clarified the social worker should prompt Lucy to explain what is going on in her life. During this conversation Lucy has raised several issues including relationship problems including divorce and verbal abuse, disability, social anxiety and isolation as well as mental illness concerns. The social worker can use the Bronfrenbrenner’s model from the second wave of systems theory to look at the interactions between Lucy and her microsystem including family and peers as these interactions should be the focus of intervention as they are unstable and or weak connections. Applying the Equifinality concept of general systems theory the social worker can then go through and work with Lucy to create a list of possible ways to improve these relationships this can include completing a genogram to find strengths in her family structure, refer to a family councillor, joining support groups, working towards gaining meaningful friendships. Lucy has indicated that she sees a lot of stigma around disability and mental health. The social worker can use a
Rengas, S. (2010, August 13). Theories of Social Work. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.slideshare.net/srengasamy/theories-of-social-work
Social Work is the study of people and how they interact with the systems in their environment and other people. Social Workers use theories, sets of ideas or concepts, of human behavior and apply them within their professional social work ethics to the problems facing clients in order to help them gain balance in the systems in their lives. Theories help to organize knowledge enabling social workers to help make sense of problems. There are many different theories. They have been grouped into broad categories called theoretical lenses (Rogers, A. 2013).
Social work is rarely working with one individual, as stated in O’Loughlin and O’Loughlin (2008); it will involve working with the whole family which is constantly changing making it complex and diverse. It may consist of parents or carers who share the same race, class, culture, or sexuality, but alternatively it may not. Members within the family help to determine our behaviour, roles, rules and stereotyping. To add to this, people are constantly entering and leaving the family system either by marriage, divorce or death. These complexities are shown in ecomaps or genograms. It is important to understand that the child’s welfare is paramount, but in order to achieve positive outcomes for the child, effective work will need to be done within the family. Relationships within a family are known as a system with the family being viewed as a whole, rather than as many individuals. Within family relationships, everyone seeks to uphold the equilibrium so if one member seeks to change, the others seek to resist. However, difficulties include maintaining good relationships and knowing boundaries between professional and personal...
The person-in-environment approach views a client’s problems by how they react to the environmental contexts within their environment and how they occur. According to Gordon and Richmond, it has been stated that the person-in-environment approach is the “cornerstone” of social work practice. (as cited in Rogers, 2016, p.24). A clients’ systems are the interrelated aspects of a clients’ lives where all parts come together to function. Social workers utilize and focus on a clients’ systems when applying the person-in-environment. A clients’ system is anything that they interact with and hold roles in their lives. These systems can be on a micro level which is the individual and their biology, personality, and genetics. The individuals’ mezzo level would include their immediate environment, family, school, friends, or work. A macro level would include the larger social aspects of a clients’ life such as government policies, discrimination, oppression, or social class. Social workers incorporate these interactions and how they impact clients’ and their presenting problems. This theory and approach are beneficial as it allows a social worker to find out what resources are available to the client during their time with the worker (Rodgers,
Theory has been defined as, “an organized set of assumptions, beliefs, or ideas about particular phenomena in the world (Teater, 2015).” Theory is used to understand and explain possible and perceived instances, behaviors and outcomes (Teater, 2015). Social workers use theory in order to understand, as well as, introduce interventions and solutions to their client’s individual situation. It is important for students entering into the social work profession to have a base knowledge of theories, with basic understanding of their similarities and differences to appropriately apply theory in practice. The theories which will be focused on in this paper include Systems Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory.
Systems ideas is referring to three different types of systems, each created in a different era; general systems theory, ecosystem perspectives and complex systems theory (Healy, 2005). Systems Ideas in social work originated with general systems theory in the 1940’s and 1950’s, formulated by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy in the 1970’s (Payne, 2005). Systems Ideas are very relevant to human related professions such as; doctors, social workers and other institutions. The systems Ideas theory aids social workers to find an individual’s “fit” and “adapt” to the current society (Payne, 2005). There are many people involved in an individual’s social system, from friends and family to institutions such as schools and doctors. These can also be put into further categories formal and informal theories. Formal theories consist of systems such as institutions like social worker and doctors but informal theories include friends, family and community. In complex situations, systems ideas and theory is more appropriate to use than other more casual models of practice.
A social worker must have the knowledge and skills to apply to intervention strategies that can address key issues through a wide range of tools (Miley, O’Melia & Dubois 2013, p. 7). To devise an intervention plan for the case study, Miley’s (2013, p. 112) four step model is utilised.
Forder, A. (1976). Social Work and System Theory. British Journal of Social Work, 6(1), 23-42.
I see the word “system” and conceptualize of all the things that intertwine that make an impact in the client’s life. From what I have learned in lectures my definition of system level interaction is a way in which the social worker helps clients by intervening in large systems. Examples include lobbying to change a health care law, organizing a state-wide activist group or advocating for large-scale social policy change. I believe system level intervention is where the social makes a profound impact in their client’s life. The social worker has the opportunity to create a positive impact not only on the client, but also with other people that are dealing with the same problems. The social worker in system level intervention is an advocator for the unheard because they have the platform to create change, therefore, Macro practice empowers clients by involving them in systemic change. Community development is another system level intervention practice, from forming task groups in the community or treatment groups for the purpose of helping their client overcome their problems at
Wilson, K. et. al., 2011. Social Work ' Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed. Essex, England.: Pearson Education Ltd .
The generalist model in the social work profession was drawn from a social system’s theory in the late 1960 's due to the complexities of problems and challenges faced by human beings. It was needed to assist social workers in assessing and interviewing clients. Rather than make the client fit the model, the generalist model seeks to find the approach that best fits the client, as well as emphasizing respect for client self-determination and the use of client strengths with empowerment as an expected client system outcome. A generalist practice model is used in all areas of social work field in ethical and effective helping based on the eco-systems perspective using problem-solving strategies and practice skills requiring a strengths perspective
Social Work was defined as the facilitation for “social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people,” by International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and International Association of School of Social Work (IASSW) in 2014. Furthermore, social work centralises its principles around social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities (ISFW; IASSW 2014). In addition to these foundational definitions there are a number of theories surrounding the practice of social work and these include establishment and critical social work theory. The conventional approach to social work that the establishment theory adheres to sees a focus on working with clients at a micro level,
Aimed at literature review for the this subject SWSP6013 Social work theory and practice, I have selected both sections from the unit content of the unit, one is “Feminist social work” by Orme, J (2002), In R. Adams, L.Dominello & M. Payne (Eds), Social work: Critical issues and critical debates and another one is “ How did we get here? The history of critical social work” by Moreley, C., Albertt, P., & Macfarlane, S.(2014). Engaging with Social Work: A critical introduction. I choose these two issues of social work because, even though I have background of Humanities from My country Nepal, Social Work subject, in Australia is very new topic for me, as I am studying Master in Social Work and being female of Patriarchal society, I am lean toward
The theory stipulates that it is vital for social workers to ensure they contextualize the human person according to their social environment, while the social work profession perceives people as interdependent and interrelated to their environment. The social and development satiation of individuals serves as part of the environment they live in, although people are capable of influencing and altering their environment. The psychosocial theory offers a basis whereby social workers can understand different methods and theories, especially because it offers a foundation for social work theories in practice today (Greene,
A major key of social work is having the ability to understand. In order to help an individual, group or community, it's vital to understand what they have experienced and their beliefs and values on life. Using the systems theory, I will be able to understand the relationships my clients has with other individuals and subsystems (Lum, 2004). These