Systems Theory in Social Work

Systems Theory in Social Work

Systems Theory in Social Work

Assignment: Systems Theory in Social Work

Assignment: Systems Theory in Social Work

Family systems provide safety and support for their members. To many, organizational and societal systems also are expected to function in a similar way. When these systems fail, how do social workers identify those failures? Further, how can an understanding of these systems help them intervene? Systems theory is concerned with the structure of complex systems, with a special emphasis on how parts of these systems relate to each other and to the systems as a whole. Social workers apply systems theory to micro, meso , and macro levels of practice, in order to understand the dynamic interrelations between individuals, families, institutions, and societies. Generally, social workers want to identify how a system functions, what aspects of that system have a negative impact on people, and understand how they can cause positive change in that system.

For this week’s Discussion, review this week’s resources, including the course-specific case studies provided. Select either the case study for Noah or Carl, as well as a theory from this week’s assigned reading. Then, consider the various social systems involved in the course-specific case study you selected and how the social systems might relate to one another. Finally, think about the systems theory you selected and how it can be applied to that case study.

· Post an explanation of the various social systems involved in the case study you selected.

· Be sure to reference in your post the client from the course-specific case study you selected.

· Then, explain how these social systems might relate to one another.

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· Finally, describe the systems theory you selected and explain how you might apply it to that case study using specific social work skills.

References (use 2 or more)

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing [VitalSource e-reader].

· Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. R. (2012). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.

o Chapter 2, “Systems Theory” (pp. 25–58)

· Green, D., & McDermott, F. (2010). Social work from inside and between complex systems: Perspectives on person-in-environment for today’s social work. British Journal Of Social Work, 40(8), 2414–2430.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

· Sutphin, S. T., McDonough, S., & Schrenkel, A. (2013). The role of formal theory in social work research: Formalizing family systems theory. Advances In Social Work, 14(2), 501–517.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.