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Theory and Practice Assignment
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Theory and Practice Assignment
Social work requires the use of multiple disciplines to reach a goal. This process is
complex and seen through various lenses. Shulman`s Interactional Model demonstrates the
importance of helping the relationships through engagement with the worker and the client.
Bronfenbrenner discusses how ecological systems shape the individual through layers of their
environment. Each layer will be discussed, yet the Ecological Systems Theory will be highlighted
to show the challenges the Rodriquez family faces.
Theory Description
a. The theory I chose to use for this assignment is the Ecological Systems Theory. In 1979,
Urie Bronfenbrenner developed this theory, explaining how their engagement influences
a person's development and behavior in several interlinked systems of life
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(Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Bronfenbrenner demonstrates how settings of the home are
considered a microsystem. There are also connections between an individual’s home or
school, and this would be considered a line between microsystems called mesosystem.
Any factor that indirectly affects the family would be considered an exosystem. An
example of a circumstance that indirectly affects the mesosystem would be school
demands and workplace demands. In the Ecological Systems Theory, ethnic and societal
polices are considered a macrosystem alongside a chronosystem, which impacts life
changes. This theory is pertinent to the Rodriquez family issues because they have
issues caused by Maria`s choices due to circumstances, the rules and regulations of the
United States, and her cultural beliefs, etc. The Ecological Systems Theory shows the
family dynamic concerning social systems. This theory allows for the analysis of the
personal perspective of Maria and social systems as they both work together in the lives
of the Rodriquez family.
Connection between Theory and Identified
Problem
b. Maria`s situation is not only because of her personal choices, but also because of
systemic barriers. Maria used her own judgment based on her life`s experiences to solve
her active problems. She took on the external factors, such as having low wages for
work, no proper sitter for her children, etc., and she did the best she could with the
hand she was dealt. Maria seems to love her children, yet she leaves them
unsupervised in her personal microsystem. Communication with every part of Maria`s
support system seems to affect her mesosystem. Ms. Rodriquez and her employment
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demands create an environment where she had to choose between better judgment of
her children`s safety or the income to provide for them. Furthermore, Maria being
undocumented creates its own stigma amongst her peers. She fears being deported
and, therefore, does not disclose fully the amount of help she and her children truly
need, limiting her access to resources that could propel her family out of extreme
poverty. On a larger scale, Maria has experienced abandonment from her parents, her
children`s father, which continuously drives her further into being alone and not
reaching out for help outside of herself.
Theoretical Implementation
c. Using the Ecological Systems Theory would help with the understanding of systemic
barriers and open doors that could potentially strengthen the relationships the
Rodriquez family has. Social workers are called to seek justice and defend vulnerable
families, aligning with the mission to support Maria and her children (Isaiah 1:17, New
International Version). A social worker should present Maria with all her available
resources in her community, such as childcare, food assistance, and job aids that do not
require legal documentation. Until Ms. Rodriquez finds adequate employment, the
social worker could potentially get with her employer to discuss a different schedule to
better accommodate the needs of the Rodriquez family. Education and legal aid on the
rights of undocumented families would also be monumental. The social worker should
create a long-term plan to pursue financial stability of employment for Maria and child
support from the biological father of Juan and Alena. Alongside the aforementioned
suggestions, the children should participate in school programs in conjunction with
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community programs that allow them to have a social aspect to their lives outside of the
household. This social exploration will aid in the development of children and reduce
isolation while building an external network of support.
d. Shulman’s Interactional Model complements this approach by emphasizing relational
engagement and highlighting client strengths in the helping process (Shulman, 2016).
The Ecological Systems Theory complements the Interactional Theory Model by
addressing systemic barriers while also trying to make the relationships in the Rodriquez
family`s support system stronger. Shulman`s Model would display the strengths of the
family and not focus on the negative aspects of the situation. Shulman`s model would
highlight her willingness to work with social services and Maria`s love for her children.
They intertwine because I believe you cannot have one without the other. Each
approach helps the other and makes the end goal of success much more attainable. If
Maria`s
strengths as a parent were not recognized and social services only focused on the
negative, she may shut down and not be willing to cooperate; therefore, the systemic
errors in her life could never be addressed.
Conclusion
e. Using the Ecological Systems Theory and Shulman’s model helps us understand the full
scenario of the Rodriquez family. Maria makes personal choices, but is also faced with
challenges such as low wages, immigration status, and lack of childcare. Shulman
reminds us to recognize Maria’s strengths alongside her problems. By using these two
approaches, we find ways to support Maria as a mother and deal with the outside
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pressures that affect her family. From a faith perspective, we are reminded of the
importance of standing up for those who are vulnerable and showing care through
action.
The main goal is to help the Rodriguez family build stability, safety, and hope for a better
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outcome in the future so that history does not repeat itself.
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References
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and
design. Harvard University Press.
Shulman, L. (2016). The skills of helping individuals, families, groups, and communities (8th ed.).
Cengage Learning.
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+1%3A17&version=NIV
