Systems Theory – Introduction
Connolly, M., & Harms, L. (2015) wrote, “systems theories help us to think about these interactions between people and their social and physical environments” (pp. 47).
The approach to system theory is based on the central conviction that all facets of a human problem should be regarded as a whole. Systems are applied to components of a greater system that actually work to create equilibrium in human existence. Healy (2005) outlined three different types of systems; general systems theory, ecosystem perspectives, and complex systems theory. Firstly, this essay discusses the origins of systems theory and the relevant information including; key features of Systems theory, as well as those that distinguish it from other theories and models, secondly, discuss the positives and negatives of applying systems theory in a human and social services setting, as well as the historical and current practices, and finally issues of using systems theory in community and human services.
Definition and origin of systems theory
Teater (2010) describes System theory as the factors that influence a person's behavior and life for example, a person’s family, community or friends, and how a change in one system directly or indirectly affects the system as a whole.
Within social work, the concept of systems theory was inspired by the work of biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy, it is important to note that the philosophy of Von Bertalanffy developed from the idea of cause and effect to describe growth and change in living cells. Bertalanffy, L. (1972) wrote: This view, considered as a method of investigation, we shall call 'organismic biology and, as an attempt at an explanation, ‘ system theory of an organism” (pp. 410). Furthermore, von Bertalanffy’s research was continued and assisted by Uri Bronfenbrenner, a psychologist who studied human biological structures in an environmental setting. Through this, the ecological perspective was established.
The ecological perspective termed ecological systems theory emphasizes the interaction and interconnectedness across all levels of the system with the need to intervene to ensure productivity at all stages. The ecological systems theory uses ideas that link four different social structures surrounding an individual; these are known as micro-systems, meso-systems, exo-systems, and macro-systems. The microsystem refers to the immediate contact between relatives, peers, colleagues, teachers, neighbors, and other people with direct interaction that we have in our lives (Bronfenbrenner,1979). The mesosystem level is the relationships in one's life between and that interact with the microsystems (Bronfenbrenner,1979). The exo-system is the environment wherein the person has an association however the person has a little active role (Bronfenbrenner,1979). The environment of the macrosystem is an individual's cultural identity. Cultural factors include the individual's and/or family's economic status, and race or ethnicity (Bronfenbrenner,1979).
Furthermore, what has been known has general systems theory continues to evolve and transform to suit the environment in which this theory is applied, this brings Healy (2005) described the third wave of systems theory known as complex systems theory, as the understanding of complexity in an individual’s life has increased. Connolly, M., & Harms, L. (2019) describe, Complex systems theory is now used in a wide variety of disciplines and is particular useful in understanding resilience. Complex systems theory has also been recognized to be useful in working with indigenous communities (Green and Baldry, 2008).
Key characteristics of Systems theory
Systems theory is characterized by and notes that action is motivated by a multitude of factors that function as a network collectively. In system theory, a social worker must perceive and assess all the systems that make a contribution to the actions and health of an individual and work with the individual to reinforce those systems.
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Systems theory is very pertinent to human service-related roles and the function they do to help their clients meet their needs. Some of system theory's most distinctive features are; it consists of components, and each one is a sub-system in its entirety, each sub-system can impact the system as a whole, and the sub-systems consist of economic status, ideological point of view, and standing in society, all of these can influence one another. Payne (2014), describes “The main contribution of systems and ecological ideas to social work is to integrate interpersonal interventions involving individuals with interventions that also engage with families, communities, and other social agencies” (p. 184). The system itself forms the parts of the larger whole and that is who the individual is and where they reside, this includes their community, culture, government, and family unit. Each level in this unit coexists developing relationships between each, which is why a shift in any part can influence sections in the total system and then impact the individual’s perspectives leading to needing assistance to find balance again.
Systems theory in community and human services
Systems theory is based on the principle that in conjunction with their physical and social environment, an individual does not function in isolation but rather expands and evolves with all of its parts. Within the social work context, this can constitute an individual’s immediate surroundings, family, culture, religion, community, society, and their individual history. Systems theory notes that each system should be considered to comprise of several qualities that make the system a cohesive unit. Therefore, in regard to each level; micro, meso, Exo, and macro, community and human service workers should perceive each level on its own and then look at what caused the presenting issue, taking into consideration what has happened on one level can sometimes trigger a shift or reaction within the main system. In various disciplines such as psychology, political science, social work, sociology, physics, and biology, system theory can be found. (Hutchinson, et al 2014). Why systems theory has become so popular in the community and human services, According to (Hutchinson, et al 2014) “One explanation is that the different social science disciplines and occupations have a desire to say something about the big picture and the interactions between the individual and society.” Pp 221. Being able to grasp the bigger picture is something that professionals not only community and human services have been pursuing. Developing this idea in each diverse field is where systems theory as been useful throughout the years.
In community and human services, systems theory strongly works well when working with families, for example, when working with a family social services workers should take into account the individual family member's biological, psychological, and social factors, ‘physical and psychological functioning, social relationships, and community or societal
structures that impact on the client’ (Hutchinson et al, 2014, pg. 180). This helps us to think about how the dynamics are continually changing as each member of the family deals with life both within and outside the family. Unique tools are often used in this theory, such as eco-maps and genograms. Such methods help to understand the various dynamics and causes of the ' systematic relationships ' of a client. Family systems theory still holds but has adjusted the core principles of general systems theory to consider and function with families. The household is seen as a unit that plays a crucial role for each and every member of the family. It suggests that a shift in one part of the group will cause a shift in the whole dynamic of the system, Nevertheless, this often varies depending on the family's dynamics, habits, rules, and principles and their willingness to change.
Benefits and disadvantages of systems theory in community and human
The principles of systems theory are important in social work approaches as they provide a theoretical foundation for evaluating a client using an integrated approach by exploring all the structures in their environment. These principles are often used in human and community services, during the initial evaluation upon meeting a client the social worker should consider the client holistically, this is done by considering the emotional, biological, and social functions of the individual, as well as analyzing the role of other processes within the client's environment, particularly those that would contribute to the presenting issue. The social worker establishes which system needs support on the basis of this determination. Although the client is an individual entity, the social worker may perceive that working towards the goal of mending the system that is in trouble and therefore mending the system as a whole, for example, if the microsystem is were the issue lies, such as family, the social worker and client then begin to work through the presenting issues and come up with an action plan and goals to help the individual find balance again. As described by, Adams, K. M., Hester, P. T., Bradley, J. M., Meyers, T. J., & Keating, C. B. (2014). Practitioners can benefit from the application of systems theory as a lens when viewing multidisciplinary systems and their related problems. It often tends to focus on inclusiveness rather than isolation, and links with all living things on earth. Teaching that compassion for others, therefore, is compassion for oneself. This is an extremely valuable perspective for clients experiencing problems of depression, isolation, anger, and self-worth.
A weakness in systems theory is that it assumes that any degree of influence at any level has control over the entire system and at any stage can dramatically impact how it fails or continues to thrive. We know that this is not the case since some issues might have a more significant impact than many others. Moreover, circumstances in life can change very quickly, and while something that an individual once deemed irrelevant can quickly have a significant impact. In the implementation of system theory in human and social services, being able to accurately predict so many parameters may not be feasible and is often a point of criticism of many. (Hutchinson & Oltedal, 2014). It is then a question of whether systems theory can accurately encompass the complexities of interactions and inter-relationships which emerge for an individual at any level formally or informally.
While many social workers embrace systems theory, research suggests that its main principles lack explanation. In order to remain stable, it puts emphasis on the idea of harmony between its systems. This means that only the changes that stabilize the system agree with it. Research indicates that systems theory has more influence on ' mathematics and biological systems ' than on social work (Hutchinson & Oltedal, 2014). This theory often ignores triggers within a culture, e.g. the macro system requires consistency and does not tolerate change, a sudden change can pose a significant threat to the system and thus create an imbalance to overall.
Conclusion
To summarise, systems theory can be one of a human and social service worker's most valuable knowledge and important tool, it can be useful in determining and helping individuals navigate the various systems which are affecting their lives, requiring a thorough understanding of how components interrelate and impact each other. Systems theory as discussed above is not perfect and has areas that need improvement (Hutchinson & Oltedal, 2014). Though despite these limitations can very much still play a crucial role in the community and human services. Systems Theory seeks to help people who are looking for support, through its united look at life and how a person’s surroundings can cause the most influence on their state of mind (Teater 2010). Systems theory looks to deconstruct each layer and create a united individual. This paper presents an overview to General systems theory and discusses how it is utilized in a community and human services setting. It is just one of the many theoretical approaches and tools that social workers will apply throughout their careers.
References:
- Adams, K. M., Hester, P. T., Bradley, J. M., Meyers, T. J., & Keating, C. B. (2014). Systems Theory as the Foundation for Understanding Systems. Systems Engineering, 17(1), 112–123.
- Bertalanffy,L.1968. General Systems Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. New York: George Braziller.
- Bronfenbrenner, U. 1979. The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
- Connolly, M., & Harms, L. (2015). Social work: From theory to practice. Cambridge University Press.
- Connolly, M., & Harms, L. (2019). Social work: From theory to practice. Cambridge university press.
- Green, S. and Baldry, E. 2008. Building Indigenous Australian social work. Australia Social Work, 61(4): 389-402
- Healy, K. (2005). Social work theories in context: creating frameworks for practice. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Hutchinson, G.S., & Oltedal, S. (2014). Five theories in social work. Oslo: Universitestforlaget Retrieved from: http://docplayer.net/13905724-Five- theories-in-social-work.html
- Payne, M. (2014). Modern social work theory. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.federation.edu.au
- Teater, Barbra, and Kondrat. Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods, McGraw-Hill Education, 2010
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