systems theory

Question 1

Subsystem

Answer 1

A subsystem is a secondary or subordinate system that is a component of a larger system. Obvious examples of subsystems are the parental and sibling subsystems within a family. The group of protective services workers in the large social services agency forms one subsystem, and the financial assistance workers another.

Question 2

Role

Answer 2

A role is the culturally established social behavior and conduct expected of a person in any designated interpersonal relationship. Each individual involved in a system assumes a role within that system. For instance, a person in the role of social worker is expected to behave in certain “professional” ways as defined by the professional’s code of ethics.

Question 3

Relationship

Answer 3

A relationship is a reciprocal, dynamic, interpersonal connection characterized by patterns of emotional exchange, communication, and behavioral interaction. For example, a social worker may have a professional relationship

Question 4

Input

Answer 4

Input involves the energy, information, or communication flow received from other systems. A parent may receive input from a child’s grade school principal, noting that the child is doing poorly in physical education. A public agency may receive input from the state in the form of funding.

Question 5

Output

Answer 5

Output is the response of a system, after receiving and processing input, that affects other systems in the environment. For instance, output for a social services agency for people who are substance abusers might be 150 hours of individual counseling, 40 hours of group counseling, 30 hours of family counseling, 10 hours of drug education at local schools, and 50 hours of liaison work with other agencies involved with clients.

Question 6

Feedback loops

Answer 6

Negative feedback loops are those patterns of interaction that maintain stability or constancy while minimizing change. Negative feedback loops help to maintain homeostasis.

Positive feedback loops, in contrast, are patterns of interaction that facilitate change or movement toward either growth or dissolution.

Question 7

Entropy

Answer 7

Is the natural tendency to move from order to disorder. Family must be able to incorporate energy (new information or input) into its system in order to thrive. The tendency of a system to progress toward disorganization, depletion, and death. Nothing lasts forever. People age and eventually die. Young families get older, and children leave to start their own families.

Question 8

Negative Entropy

Answer 8

Negative entropy is the process of a system toward growth and development. In effect, it is the opposite of entropy. Individuals develop physically, intellectually, and emotionally as they grow. Social service agencies grow and develop new programs and clientele.

Question 9

Homeostasis

Answer 9

The typical way a family does things that help assure internal balance and seek a steady state. A family’s homeostasis could be functional or dysfunctional. Family stability, however, is rooted in change, which requires both negative and positive feedbacks. A functioning family is one that is adaptable and resilient to these changes.