Family Systems Theory Analysis

A theory is defined as a system of general propositions which are used to establish a relationship between two or more variables (Abend, 2008). Social workers utilize theories in practice to develop an understanding of clients and the obstacles they face in social environments. This research will explore social learning theory, family systems theory and the key concepts derived under each. Additionally, social learning theory and family systems theory will be utilized to discuss the impacts of incarceration on African American men and their families.

Firstly, social learning theory is a theoretical context that utilizes cognitive and behavioral concepts to develop an understanding of human behaviors (Lelchook & de Luque, 2015). Social learning theory was derived from the research of Neal Miller and John Dollard. Their proposal suggests that if people were motivated to learn specific behaviors, then those

In his research, Bandura motioned that children learn aggressive behavior through observation. Bandura tested this theory in his famous Bobo Doll experiment. In this experiment, children observed as adults modeled violent behaviors towards the Bobo doll. The adults kicked, punched, and threw items at the toy. Once the children were taken to another play room with the Bobo doll, they aggressively mimicked the behaviors of the adults. These findings supported Bandura’s hypothesis that children learn aggressive behaviors by observing other others (Bandura, Ross, & Ross, 1961).

Banduras social learning theory acknowledges the importance of modelling and observing the attitudes, behaviors, emotions, and reactions of others (Riddal-Leech, 2003). His social learning theory focuses on two major concepts: people learn through observational learning, and learning doesn’t automatically change behavior (Bandura,