week 2 response3 386

Hello Professor Morris/Class,

According to Thought Co, “Social structure is composed of social institutions and patterns of institutionalized relationships, but we also understand it as present in the social networks that connect us, and in the interactions that fill our everyday lives” (Crossman, 2019). Social structure operates on three levels, micro, mezzo, and macro within society. The micro level is the everyday interactions we have with each other in the forms of norms and customs. Social norms are the rules that guide our behavior (Crossman, 2019). 

I am currently employed at a Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Unit. For me to perform my job I need to be emotionally stable and have a positive attitude. My agency serves a very diverse population, people of various racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. I am there to support my clients, remain empathetic, respectful and professional at all times. Even though some are uninsured, insured, homeless, and parolees. I am responsible for encouraging clients to participate in positive activities that will strengthen the mind and reduce overall stress. 

Social norms theory suggests that our actions can be influenced by our perceptions, or misperceptions, about how our peers think and act Langer & Lietz 2014). However, on a macro as well as the micro-level, the norms of one family may be different from the family next door (Crossman, 2019). The culture and norms that we are surrounded by impact our decisions and can also impact our mental health in various ways (Langer & Lietz 2014).

As a generalist practitioner In order for me to achieve the goals of recovery for my clients I must be able to adapt and manage internal and external processes of the system. My goal is to produce the changes needed for goal attainment to occur. The beautiful thing about being a social worker is as long as I work within the guidelines of ethics. Society does not dictate or determine a set of norms that apply to the majority.

Thank you,

Renee

References

Crossman, A. (2019, June 28). What is "Social structure" in the context of sociology? ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/social-structure-defined-3026594

Langer, C., & Lietz, C. Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/gcu/detail.action?docID=1874136.