system/ecology theory
Salman Wahid
SWK313Module5Week9_Systemstheories_PowerPoint2019.pptx
Systems Theories
Module 5
Week 9
SWK313 Engaging Individuals and Families In Partnership
1
Case Study continued: Working with the family
Consider everything you have learnt about Erica and her family to date.
Critically examine how systems/ecological approaches be applied to understand the circumstances of Erica and her family. How could these theories guide your practice in this case?
Module 5 Learning Activity
“Person in environment”
Context is important
Multiple factors & levels of systems impact on people – micro, meso, macro
Theories include: General Systems Theory, Bio-Ecological Systems Theory, Person in Environment Model, Life Course Model
Broad application for practice in a range of contexts – assessment & intervention
Systems Theory Overview
3
Bio-Ecological Systems Perspective
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08M_K0GIti8
4
Developed in 1970s by Bronfenbrenner
Human development is influenced by the environment
Provides the theoretical foundation for the life course model of social work (Germain & Gitterman, 1980)
Adds a humanistic and dynamic element to systems theory
Process of interaction, change & adaptation
PPTC Model – Process Person Context Time
Bio-Ecological Systems Perspective
5
Multiple “systems” relevant to people’s lives
Interact in complex ways
Patterns of interaction are important for understanding human behaviour
Changes and actions in one part of the system impacts others
Networks – social networks, support networks, “connectedness”, boundaries, resources
Tools for practice – genogram & eco-map
Main concepts
6
Holistic view of client’s circumstances
Different systems and levels are always interacting and influencing each other
There are many variables to consider in assessment and intervention
Consider structural factors (link to AOP)
Context of practice & worker is also a ‘system’ to be considered
Maidment & Egan (2016 p.252)
Ecological Systems & Practice
7
Pincus & Minahan (1974) – 4 systems:
Change agent system (worker/agency)
Client system (client, families, groups, communities engaged with worker)
Target system (target for change - may or may not be the same as the client system)
Action system (work with for change – client, target & action systems may not be the same)
Systems Theory & the Worker
8
Systems for practice
http://ecosocialwork.wixsite.com/ecosocialwork/blank-1
Systems can be simple or complex, intrapersonal, interpersonal or environmental
Some examples:
Biophysical, cognitive, affective, behavioural functioning
Physical environment
Kinship
Social support networks
Peer groups
Neighbourhoods
Society
Cultural
Which systems are most important to the client?
Some types of systems…
Social support systems can provide the following:
Attachment – a sense of security and belonging
Social integration
Practical support and resources
Alliances
Guidance
Help in a crisis
Source of stress and conflict
Social Supports
11
Aim to increase the ‘fit’ between individuals and their environment
Maximise the ‘goodness of fit’ between the needs of individuals and environmental resources that correspond to particular needs
Link resources with clients to utilise resources or cope with environmental forces
Establish areas of support for clients
Assess the positives and negatives with decisions made or actions
Person-in-Environment Model
12
Life Course Model
Theory of development
Environmental events and transitions that can impact the person over the life course
Initial assessment
Visual and historical representation of a family
Benefit both client and worker
Tool for “helping the client explain relationships between members of the family, showing patterns in family behaviour, occupation of health, and highlighting potential areas to explore during assessment” (Maidment & Egan 2016 p.154)
Genograms
Genograms (Compton, Galaway & Cournoyer, 2005)
Rob, 39
Jan, 35
W
Sarah,
3
Liam, 5
Paul, 9
Symbols
Female
Male
Pregnancy
Death X
Marital separation --
Divorce …
Widow/ widower W
Ric, 12
Phil
X
Visual representation showing “people, places and institutions that are significant in the life of the client” (Maidment & Egan 2016 p. 156)
Show type of relationships, resources, conflict etc.
Can change over time – representation of change process and tool for feedback, evaluation of intervention
Eco Maps
An eco-map…
Tentative ---
Strong (solid)
Stressful ….
Think about the people you know – family, friends, acquaintances. Think about the different relationships you have with each of them. What is the connection to you and with each other. Has this changed over time? What are the most important connections?
How would you represent this in a diagram?
Activity
Emphasis on changing environments but does not account for power
Labels? (e.g. functioning, dysfunctional families)
Assumes systems are interdependent – are they?
Descriptive rather than explanatory
Non prescriptive and generalist (this can be a positive too)
Slow and manageable change – focus on adaption
Complexity of system analysis can be a barrier to clear action
Limitations
Allows integration of different approaches
Accounts for interaction and impact of people and systems on each other
Multiple points for intervention
Not prescriptive
Space for critical theory or AOP as well as micro level intervention
Strengths
