a. The term Systems theory is a comprehensive designation that is utilized to signify five interrelated theories. As Robbins, S.P. (2012) explained in the textbook titled Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work, 3rd Edition, systems theory is comprised of the ecological perspective, dynamic systems theory, structural functionalism, ecofeminism, and deep ecology. These five theories share closely related key concepts as their supporting foundation. The key concepts through which this group of theories form their basis, is the credence that human systems of all sizes are convolutely connected to one another and to the natural environment, and therefore, consequently they must be viewed in a holistic manner …show more content…
In relation to Systems Theory it is important to have an understanding of the ecological perspective. As Robbins (2012) pointed out, the addition of the ecological perspective to Systems Theory allowed social workers to have increased awareness of the issue related to goodness of fit, socially, and physically, between people and their environments. The ecological perspective also allows systems theory to have a broader scope of application. According Karel Germain and Alex Gitterman (1995) in their work titled, The life model of social work practice, 3rd ed., while the ecological perspective does not place much emphasis on macro-level social concerns, its focus on the points where people and their environments’ meet. This interface between people and environments, a meso-level interaction, adds to the ability of Systems theory by bringing increased consideration to the effects of inequalities of power, a macro-level …show more content…
strengths and weaknesses are inherent and found throughout theories of human behavior. Systems Theory is not immune from these strengths or weaknesses. Dynamic systems theory, possesses one of the theories underlying strengths. Its focus on the person and the environment, facilitates social workers abilities to focus on any of the levels of systems and, is therefore capable of developing comprehensive interventions for both individual as well as social change (Robbins, 2012). In terms of the weaknesses that are inherent in Systems Theory, one of the concerns is with the theories lack of adequately addressing social and power inequalities, as well as their precipitating factors (Robbins, 2012). As an example, functionalism fails to treat power as a central feature of social life, and ignores the mechanisms that preserve inequality, as well as those that could restore equality (Robbins, 2012). In addition, the focus of the structural functionalist perspective on social norms and functions associated with survival, can become deterministic due to how it depicts people as passive and constrained by the social beliefs of society. As Robbins (2012) adds to this insight, despite this position, the theory ignores the mechanisms that maintain inequality. Although the ecological perspective is widely used as a framework for understanding human behavior, it offers little guidance in analyzing macro-level social problems that have direct impact on people’s lives (Robins,
Functionalism argues that inequality is important and necessary because it “motivates people to fill different position in society that are needed for the survival of the whole of society.” [8] The rewards, i.e. wealth, prestige, and power and the resulting wealth gap ar...
Social workers should have a strong knowledge base comprising of information gathered from variety of empirically tested theories which allows them to effectively appreciate the nature of people’s problems. Theory is a vital component in social work practice that guides the way in which social workers view and approach their clients, at micro, mezzo and macro level. Theory helps predict, explain and assess situations and
In modern world, social work is one of the professional areas that gained vast and rapid development. Due to the complications of human society today and the nature of social work, its relevance will not diminish in the closest future. With this in mind, it is important to research the implications of a career in social work in order to understand the basics of its functioning and its fundamental principles. This paper aims to research critical issues of social work career by indicating ethical and personal values, importance of self-awareness and personal experiences, as well as areas of difficulty for a professional helper.
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,
Social work has long recognized the relationship between the behavior of an individual and the environment in which the individual interacts (Hutchison, 2008). Human behavior theories offer a framework to organize, interpret and understand this relationship (Hutchison, 2008). For this case study, the following three theories will be examined for relevancy: Life cycle theory, role theory and resiliency theory.
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.
The term functionalism is used to explain social events in terms of the functions that they perform. The functionalist approach is also used to show how something affects the continued existence of society. A functionalist approach to gender inequality shows us that gender dominant careers help society continue to function, but we can already see the long term effects of how gender inequality has created issues in today’s society. Even after all of the massive...
This theory demonstrates that even the most basic actions that the people in our society do on a daily basis, such as going to dinner with friends, going to parties and greeting each other on the streets somehow have to do with the understanding of society. According to the textbook “The Sociology Project 2.0”, “Individuals and individual actions heavily shaped by society and its constituent parts, symbolic interactionism turns this idea on its head, arguing that social order starts from individuals and the meaning they give to objects, events, and relationship with others”. Structural Functionalism is a perspective in sociology that shows society as a complicated system whose parts come together to work for the same purpose which is to achieve harmony and stability. In accordance with the Textbook “The Sociology Project 2.0”, all societies have some kind of religion, functionalists have argued because religious serves many useful purposes: Religious ideas and doctrines give societies a shared moral code to live by, they explain the unexplainable, and they encourage social solidarity between people”. In the other hand, the conflict theory is about the struggle that is fostered in society due to the division of numerous social groups simply because of their diverse resources.
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
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
The Ecological model was developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. Bronfenbrenner believed that in order to understand a person or family, you must first look at the person’s environment. This theory was first introduced in the 1970s and contains five elements (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). When looking at an individual, the microsystem is the first aspect to be examined. The microsystem is everything that directly influences the person. The microsystem can be key developmental settings such as schools, classmates, and families. The next section is the mesosystem. The mesosystem is the links between the individual and the family or school. Mesosystem focuses on the relationships between the two systems (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). Outside of the mesosystem is
1a) Social workers apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels In order to effectively accomplish this goal, a social worker must possess knowledge of the Social Systems Theory in which the social worker explores the interaction between the person and environment at the macro, mezzo, and micro levels. Many times, when it comes to diversity and difference, the beliefs and attitudes in the macro system trickle down to the mezzo system and in turn can affect the micro system. Following section 1.05 of the Code of Ethics, the responsibility to practice cultural awareness and social diversity, also is related to accomplishing
Furthermore, advocates of the General Systems theory believe that it should be used as a universal model for all social work practice. They believe that by applying General systems theory to social work practice individuals and social systems are more easily explained and viewed as being holon (Carter, 2011). System’s theories also encourages, “…the refinement of social work’s person-in-environment perspective by embedding it within a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and holistic conceptual framework” (Robbins et al., 2006, p. 50). Thus, the General Systems theory helps explain human
I find the literature quite interesting and enjoy thinking abstractly about the many theories of human behavior that make up the social work world. The cornerstone of my BSW education was the systems theory mixed into the core competencies of social work. Systems theory was the first theory taught in all my undergraduate classes and frequently referenced throughout the entire program. My understanding of social work at the most basic level stems from the systems theory. Knowing that every move I make affects everyone else in a situation keeps me honest and guides my work to produce the highest quality of care for all clients. As interesting as the theories of social work are, my own personal experiences in the field have shaped my identity as a social worker much more directly than the theories and methods in the books ever