Systems Theory

Question 1

Systems theories definition

Answer 1

Concepts that emphasize reciprocal relationships between the elements that constitutes a whole. These concepts also emphasize the relationships among individuals, groups, organizations, or communities and mutually influencing factors in the environment. Systems theories focus on the interrelationships of elements in nature, encompassing physics, chemistry, biology and social relationships (barker 2014).

Question 2

General Systems Theory:

Answer 2

attempts to explain the behaviour of people and societies by identifying the interacting components of the system and the controls that keep these components (subsystems) stable and in a state of equilibrium. It is concerned with the boundaries, roles, relationships, and flow of information between people. General systems theory is a subset of systems theories that focuses on living entities from microorganisms to societies.
• General systems theory explains behaviour through input, output, throughput, synergy, energy, multifinality, equalfinality, differences between steady state and equilibrium

Question 3

Rise of systems theory in 1970s social work theory and practice (developed as a/development of/result of… (4)

Answer 3

1)** reaction against psychodynamic theory – its perceived failure of individual-focused social work practice created need to develop a theory which addressed issues that social work encountered

2) **a family therapy -> emphasis on systems perspective
• Compared to radical theory which emerged at the same time, systems theory did not reject current social organization and social policy

3) success of systems theory can be linked to:
- the acceptance of the social order
- the fact that systems theory fits well with the mandate of state-based agencies
- the existing professional system

4) Systems theory relates well to psychological theories, a mainstay of social work.

Question 4

Systems:

Answer 4

A system is a “whole” consisting of interdependent & interactive parts or relationships. Each component of a system is related to at least some of the other components in a stable way over a period of time and space. (think of a family)

Question 5

systemic analysis focuses on :

Answer 5

interactions within and across multiple social systems (interpersonal, social policy, social structure)

Question 6

3 waves of systems theory include

Answer 6

1) general systems theory
2) ecosystems perspectives
3) complex/chaos theory (a butterfly stirring in beijing can cause a storm in new york next month)

Question 7

5 Characteristics of a system (NERDS)

Answer 7

• Non-summativity
• Equilibrium
• Reciprocity
• Differentiation
• Steady state

Question 8

Bounderies

Answer 8

• Defined as invisible lines that separate systems from their environments
  • In family systems theory, boundaries include the implicit rules relating to each other and people outside the family system
  • May be characterized as rigid, flexible or permeable

Question 9

Open systems (7)

Answer 9

• Allow for change
• Have semipermeable bounderies
• Responsive/self-corrective to feedback
• Can expand with new members
• Form new relational patterns
• Self-changing from within
• Open to outside influence

Question 10

Closed systems (6)

Answer 10

• Do not allow for change
• Bounderies are rigid
• Are not responsive/self corrective to feedback
• Resist expansion
• Maintain old patterns despite change needs
• Remain separate from outside influences

Question 11

Input

Answer 11

energy/resources from the environment needed for system to reach its goals

Question 12

throughput

Answer 12

how that energy is integrated into the system to meet its goals

Question 13

output

Answer 13

the products the system exports to the environment

Question 14

Feedback loops

Answer 14

• linkage between outputs and inputs; often outputs lead to further inputs in the system
• Negative and positive feedback loops
• Critical for systems to maintain a dynamic steady state

Question 15

Entropy

Answer 15

• Entropy systems use their own energy to maintain themselves, meaning that without inputs from outside the boundaries the system will eventually run down and die
• The tendency of a closed social system to become increasingly disorganized and stagnant

Question 16

NERDS

Answer 16

Non-summativity: idea that the system is more complex than the individual components – or – the whole is more than the sum of its parts

Equilibrium: • A system, able to maintain its fundamental nature despite changes due to input
• Tendency of a system or organism to maintain stability, and when disrupted, to adapt and strive to restore the stability previously achieved

Reciprocity: when one part of the system changes, that change tends to affect all other parts and in turn they change, this may happen within a system or between systems

Differentiation: as systems receive inputs, change, grow more complex, generate more kinds of components over time, they are said to differentiate

Steady state: receive input and thus incorporate change without changing their fundamental identity; may be referred to as being resilient in the face of change
• Thought of as the health or well-being of a system
• Dynamic social systems must have reasonable degree of openness and organization

Question 17

Equifinality

Answer 17

achieving similar outcomes through different paths or by beginning from different points. The idea that there is more than one way to reach our goals

Question 18

Multifinality

Answer 18

• process of different elements having identical origins (bsw) but achieving different outcomes (different fields of work in sw).
  Equifinality and multifinality highlight the unpredictability in systems activities

Question 19

Energy

Answer 19

energy is actions, resources, and information; resources may include effort, money or time

Question 20

Synergy

Answer 20

ability to create their own energy to maintain themselves (marriage being a good example of potential synergy)

Question 21

Synergy

Answer 21

ability to create their own energy to maintain themselves (marriage being a good example of potential synergy)

Question 22

Homeostasis VS Steady State

Answer 22

Homeostasis -> a reactive approach to understanding human behaviour (self-maintaining)
Steady State -> a proactive approach to understanding human behaviour (development)

Question 23

Contributions of General systems theory (4)

Answer 23

• Emphasized importance of environment
• Allows for broader examination of social problems
• Less emphasis on individual pathology
• Allows for inclusion of worker within the system

Question 24

Critique of General Systems theory

Answer 24

• Systems theory is more useful for understanding human behaviour than for directing social work interventions (does not give us practice guidelines)
• Assumes equality of all parts: is not explicit with respect to gender, culture and class issues
• Systems view of reality tends to ignore the social context – ignores the power differentials that are inherent within social systems – conservative and meets the needs of global capitalism
• Anti-individual – focus on the wholes instead of the parts
• “reliance on abstract concepts and mechanistic, nonhuman factor and jargon… to be alienating”
• Feminist scholars have criticized systems theory for the neglect of inherent biases within the system
o Family therapy based on systems theory has been accused of putting forward the idea that all parts of the system contribute equally to family dysfunction (incest, and domestic violence are minimized)