Systems Theory: A Critical Perspective For Social Work

943 Words2 Pages

a. The term Systems theory is a comprehensive designation that is utilized to signify five interrelated theories. As Robbins, S.P. (2012) explained in the textbook titled Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work, 3rd Edition, systems theory is comprised of the ecological perspective, dynamic systems theory, structural functionalism, ecofeminism, and deep ecology. These five theories share closely related key concepts as their supporting foundation. The key concepts through which this group of theories form their basis, is the credence that human systems of all sizes are convolutely connected to one another and to the natural environment, and therefore, consequently they must be viewed in a holistic manner …show more content…

In relation to Systems Theory it is important to have an understanding of the ecological perspective. As Robbins (2012) pointed out, the addition of the ecological perspective to Systems Theory allowed social workers to have increased awareness of the issue related to goodness of fit, socially, and physically, between people and their environments. The ecological perspective also allows systems theory to have a broader scope of application. According Karel Germain and Alex Gitterman (1995) in their work titled, The life model of social work practice, 3rd ed., while the ecological perspective does not place much emphasis on macro-level social concerns, its focus on the points where people and their environments’ meet. This interface between people and environments, a meso-level interaction, adds to the ability of Systems theory by bringing increased consideration to the effects of inequalities of power, a macro-level …show more content…

strengths and weaknesses are inherent and found throughout theories of human behavior. Systems Theory is not immune from these strengths or weaknesses. Dynamic systems theory, possesses one of the theories underlying strengths. Its focus on the person and the environment, facilitates social workers abilities to focus on any of the levels of systems and, is therefore capable of developing comprehensive interventions for both individual as well as social change (Robbins, 2012). In terms of the weaknesses that are inherent in Systems Theory, one of the concerns is with the theories lack of adequately addressing social and power inequalities, as well as their precipitating factors (Robbins, 2012). As an example, functionalism fails to treat power as a central feature of social life, and ignores the mechanisms that preserve inequality, as well as those that could restore equality (Robbins, 2012). In addition, the focus of the structural functionalist perspective on social norms and functions associated with survival, can become deterministic due to how it depicts people as passive and constrained by the social beliefs of society. As Robbins (2012) adds to this insight, despite this position, the theory ignores the mechanisms that maintain inequality. Although the ecological perspective is widely used as a framework for understanding human behavior, it offers little guidance in analyzing macro-level social problems that have direct impact on people’s lives (Robins,

Open Document