Studying of human behavior has never been easier, and as the population increases, their actions become complicated. As a result, social worker as a professional has different theories that guide them in the process of assessing, evaluating and intervening at various levels in the society (Jayapalan, 2014). In fact, most of these theories usually focus on the study of aspects that make humans different, and an example of the focus include human growth and their development, psychological aspect, social functioning as well as service delivery. However, some theories just highlight social and economic equality. Also, almost all of the theories in social work practice are usually come out of social and historical context, and there should, therefore, be critiqued because of their multicultural applicability. With the aim of understanding persons and their environment, as well as the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation, system theory perspective used.
System Theory Description, Assessment Process, Intervention and Evaluation
Description
System theory includes ecological systems, and it typically focuses on how different individuals interact with others in their environment (Turner, 2014). In fact, social workers use this theory in understanding different individuals while in their constant transaction within their environment. For example, system theory suggests that different systems and subsystems in the societies are interrelated parts. Also, the other common concept of system theory states that each subsystem affects several other areas of the society (Sociological Landscape, 2012). Still, the theory usually has closed as well as open boundaries. Many social workers have used different concepts in system theory but the commonly used is a family system, and this concept suggests that individuals must be evaluated in the family context rather than isolating them.
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Assessment Process
As one of the theories used in the social work practice, system theory concentrates on the study of human behavior in their different environments. Social workers use systems theory in the process of understanding various issues that affect individuals in their organizations, societies as well as their families (Turner, 2014). Many social workers prefer this theory because it helps them connect almost all systems and subsystems in different societies and how they influence other parts of the society as a whole. Also, system theory is used in social work practice to develop a holistic understanding of different people within their communities.Therefore, systems theory is usually used in some instances where appropriate understandings of behavior since it leads to appropriate actions.
Intervention
While using systems theory, there are different practice interventions at the disposal of social workers, but their applications usually differ depending on various context. However, some of the common intervention used in this theory include strengthening one area of the system or subsystem to improve the whole society. In other words, the idea is that when one part of the society or system in the community is improved, there is a possibility of influencing the rest of the community to improve (Turner, 2014). Also, the other intervention strategy is through networking and referrals where by social workers intervene in helping different people in navigating most of the social systems. In other words, this intervention approach looks at connecting people with stressful situations to an organization which can help them.
Evaluation
From the system theory standpoint, evaluating the progress of people’s behaviors in different societies usually, including but not limited to the better understanding of the relationships and connections between people and different groups of individuals (Turner, 2014). In fact, social workers use this chance to evaluate such people in their groups across different societies (Contemporary Sociological Thinkers and Theories, 2014). Therefore, the evaluation process while using the system theory looks at individuals and their participation, as well as the efforts across a diversity of settings and in the evaluation process framework. Also, evaluation process in the system theory solves the questions related to the best action to take. In other words, evaluation planning is a critical phase for systems evaluation because it's where systems perspective takes shape and how social workers typically view any program.
Why System Theory is the Most Valuable in Social Work Practice
Applicability
Many social workers find this theory more applicable to an extensive range of situations. The fact that social work involves a lot of interconnections as well as transactional networks, systems theory becomes universally accepted when dealing with any social work practice. In fact, one of the advantages being the provision of frameworks for thinking as well as understanding different networks regardless of their complications, system theory becomes more preferred than the rest (Jayapalan, 2014). Also, this theory uses the strategy of focusing on individuals and their environments when evaluating or intervening to solve problems. Therefore, this makes it the best choice for any social worker compared to the rest of the theories. At this point, understanding people with their families, groups they associate with, as well as the relationship among them, makes the job of social workers easier than ever before.
Comparisons of System, Behaviorism and Social Learning, and Psychodynamic Theories
General Analysis
The major difference between system theory and the rest of others is that it focuses much on human interaction and their environment. However, other theories like behaviorism and social learning theory concentrate on how people develop capacity in reasoning, functioning, and knowledge by acting on their environment. Also, On the other hand, Psychodynamic theory explores how the internal controls and external forces come to interact as well as impacting heavily on the emotional development. However, despite the differences, there are some similarities in most of the theories not forgetting that they all base of human beings. For example, almost all of these theories aim at studying and solving human problems in different societies across the world (Jayapalan, 2014). At this point, however, many social workers prefer one or two of the theories given in their practice, understanding all of them is more advantageous than knowing what they prefer only.
Case Study
In this case study, the aim is to highlight why the use of system theory helps social workers understand and solve social problems across the world. In fact, it provides a reliable and practical example of how this theory is used in understanding how interrelated aspects of life contribute to harmful actions. The case states that an individual was involved in dangerous behaviors that are drug abuse, having unprotected sex, as well as refusing to attend school regularly (Turner, 2014). The person in the case had not had gotten an opportunity to contact the father for some good years. However, the worst is that some of the few memories that come to this person for the last few years involved the father abusing drugs as well as arguing with the mother at home all the time. Using the context of family, systems theory social worker can understand the child-parent relationship and how it affected the child as well as the solution.
Conclusion
Finally, the field of social work especially when solving real-life problems by studying human behavior has never been easier, but some theories have contributed much in the process. Therefore, understanding theories especially the systems theory and applying have become an essential part of the success of any social worker in solving problems. Also, it became apparent that one of the primary roles of social work practice is helping people with different problems to navigate the numerous systems which affect their lives. At this point, this requires them to have a deep understanding and with knowledge of how subsystems are connected and they influence one another. With this kind of strategies, systems theory is considered one among the many theoretical approaches used by social workers through their careers.
References
Contemporary Sociological Thinkers and Theories. (2014). doi:10.4324/9781315573946
Jayapalan, N. (2014). Sociological theories. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers.
Sociological Landscape - Theories, Realities, and Trends. (2012). doi:10.5772/2254
Turner, J. H. (2014). Theoretical sociology: A concise introduction to twelve sociological theories . Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.
