Human Growth and development (Part 8): SYSTEMS AND ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES AND THEORIES (p.92).

What are the 5 applications that systems theory has to social work

1.​ Social workers need to understand interactions between the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. 2.​ Problems at one part of a system may be manifested at another. 3.​ Ecomaps and genograms can help to understand system dynamics. 4. ​Understanding "person-in-environment" (PIE) is essential to identifying barriers or opportunities for change. 5. ​Problems and change are viewed within larger contexts.

Subsystem in systems theory

A major component of a system made up of two or more interdependent components that interact in order to attain their own purpose(s) and the purpose(s) of the system in which they are embedded

Output in systems theory

A product of the system that exports to the environment (From Google- is the information produced by a system or process from a specific input. Within the context of systems theory, the inputs are what are put into a system and the outputs are the results obtained after running an entire process or just a small part of a process)

Role Theory (3)

A role is defined as the collection of expectations that accompany a particular social position. Clients have multiple roles in their lives; in different contexts or with different people, such as being students, friends, employees, spouses, or parents. Each of these roles carries its own expectations about appropriate behavior, speech, attire, and so on. What might be rewarded in one role would be unacceptable for another (e.g., competitive behavior is rewarded for an athlete but not a preschool teacher). Roles range from specific, in that they only apply to a certain setting, to diffuse, in that they apply across a range of situations. For example, gender roles influence behavior across many different contexts.

Closed system (2)

A system that Uses up its energy and dies. A system that does not influence other systems.

Entropy in systems theory

A system that is closed, disorganized, stagnant; using up available energy (a measure of the degree of disorder in a system- got from Google)

Open system (2)

A system with cross-boundary exchange. A system that interacts and influences with other systems.

Suprasystem in systems theory

An entity that is served by a number of component systems organized in interacting relationships (One example used in Biology is the human body. This is integrated by the digestive system (which would be a subsystem) and, in turn, the digestive system is integrated by the stomach (another subsystem). Another example of a is the universe.)

Closed vs Open system

Closed system Uses up its energy and dies. A system that does not influence other systems. Open system- A system with cross-boundary exchange. A system that interacts and influences with other systems.

Throughput in systems theory

Energy that is integrated into the system so it can be used by the system to accomplish its goals

Input vs. Output in systems theory

Input- Obtaining resources from the environment that are necessary to attain the goals of the system Output- A product of the system that exports to the environment (From Google- Input is something put into a system or expended in its operation to achieve output or a result. The information entered into a computer system, examples include: typed text, mouse clicks, etc. Output is the information produced by a system or process from a specific input. Within the context of systems theory, the inputs are what are put into a system and the outputs are the results obtained after running an entire process or just a small part of a process.)

Input in systems theory

Obtaining resources from the environment that are necessary to attain the goals of the system (From Google- is something put into a system or expended in its operation to achieve output or a result. The information entered into a computer system, examples include: typed text, mouse clicks, etc.)

Diffuse Roles

Roles that apply across a range of situations. For example, gender roles influence behavior across many different contexts.

Specific roles

Roles that only apply to a certain setting

Homeostasis in systems theory

When a system is in a steady state (Balancing systems so that the individual is functional)

Differentiation in systems theory

a means of increasing the complexity of a system, since each subsystem can make different connections with other subsystems. It allows for more variation within the system in order to respond to variation in the environment. Becoming specialized in structure and function

Role conflict

incompatible or conflicting expectations (From Google- when there are contradictions between different roles that a person takes on or plays in their everyday life. In some cases, this is a result of opposing obligations which results in a conflict of interest, in others, when a person has roles that have different statuses, and it also occurs when people disagree about what the responsibilities for a particular role should be, whether in the personal or professional realms)

Role ambiguity

lack of clarity of role

Equifinality in systems theory

the principle that in open systems a given end state can be reached by many potential means.

Role discomplementarity:

the role expectations of others differ from one's own

Role complementarity

the role is carried out in an expected way Example- partners in a relationship identify self and others correctly, accurately assume expected roles, and perform appropriately.

Systems Theory (3)

views human behavior through larger contexts, such as members of families, communities, and broader society. Important to this theory is the concept that when one thing changes within a system, the whole system is affected. Systems tend toward equilibrium and can have closed or open boundaries.

Role reversal

when two or more individuals switch roles