Social Work Theories Flashcards
Views human behavior through larger contexts, such as members of families, communities, and broader society
Important concept- when one thing changes within, the whole is affected
Tend towards equilibrium and can have closed or open boundaries
Systems theory
Uses up its energy and dies
Closed system
Becoming specializes in structure and function
Differentiation
Closed, disorganized, stagnant; using up available energy
Entropy
Arriving at the same end from different beginnings
Equifinality
Steady state
Homeostasis
Obtaining resources from the environment that are necessary to attain the goals of the system
Input
Exchange of energy and resources between the systems that promote growth and transformation
Negative entropy
A system with cross-boundary exchange
Open system
Product of that system that exports to the environment
Output
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
Subsystem
An entity that is served by a number of component systems organized in interacting relationships
Suprasystem
Energy that is integrated into the system so it can be used by the system to accomplish its goals
Throughput
Adaptation to the social environment
Goal attainment
Integration with other systems
Latency of homeostasis
Four states of social systems
Small systems like an individual or a couple
Microsystems
