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Ecological and Systems Theories 31

the environment social workers should also consider when coming to understand people in their environment. The environment essentially involves the people, places, physical makeup, and policies that engage in reciprocal relationships with the people social workers serve.

Key Concepts

To understand ecological and systems theories, several key concepts, as included in Table 2.1, should be understood. These will help inform understanding the theoretical principles, defi ned in the section that follows this one.

System

A system is an entity with interrelated and interdependent parts. Systems often exist to accomplish a common purpose. Families, communities, and organizations are examples of systems of interest to social workers.

Table 2.1 Key Concepts of Ecological and Systems Theories System An organized entity made up of interrelated and

interdependent parts

Boundaries Barriers that defi ne a system and distinguish it from other systems in the environment

Homeostasis The tendency of a system to resist change and maintain status quo

Adaptation The tendency of a system to make the changes needed to protect itself and grow to accomplish its goal

Reciprocal Transactions

Circular interactions that systems engage in such that they infl uence one another

Feedback Loop The process by which systems self-correct based on reactions from other systems in the environment

Microsystem The system closest to the client

Mesosystem Relationships among the systems in an environment

Exosystem A relationship between two systems that has an indirect effect on a third system

Macrosystem A larger system that infl uences clients, such as policies, administration of entitlement programs, and culture

Chronosystem A system composed of signifi cant life events that can affect adaptation

Source: Bronfenbrenner, 1979; Germain & Bloom, 1999; Gitterman & Germain, 2008.

Langer, C. L., & Lietz, C. (2014). <i>Applying theory to generalist social work practice</i>. Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com Created from gcu on 2017-11-11 12:47:29.

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32 Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice

Boundaries

Boundaries are the real or socially constructed barriers that separate a system from its environment. Thick boundaries create closed systems, with no energy fl owing between the system and other systems in the environment. Diffuse boundaries are thin and may allow too much energy to fl ow in and out of the system, potentially threatening the con- nectedness of the system. Family systems theory suggests that bounda- ries remain fi rm, establishing a strong connection among the members of the family, yet fl exible, allowing the family systems to have inputs and outputs with their environment (Nichols, 2013).

Reciprocal Transactions

Reciprocal transactions are the interactions that occur between people and their environment or between two systems. This idea contrasts with a linear conception that one system affects another. Instead, reciprocity means that systems exert mutual infl uence on one another over time (Germain & Bloom, 1999).

Feedback Loop

The feedback loop describes the process by which systems receive the information required for needed adjustments. Nichols (2013) suggests a process of self-correction allows a system to identify areas of needed change. This loop depends on permeable boundaries that allow a system to remain open to feedback.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to a system’s desire to resist change and preserve status quo. When staff members at a social service agency are told the organization is closing one program to open another, their subsequent anxiety with the change may be a result of a desire to maintain what is known and comfortable.

Adaptation and Equifi nality

Ecological theory suggests systems have a tendency to protect and grow to accomplish a goal, a process known as adaptation. The related concept of equifi nality suggests a system can take multiple paths as it adapts over