Systems Perspective And Social Change

Systems Perspective And Social Changeza

Socw 6210 Week 11: Discussion: Systems Perspective and Social Change Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2016) stated, "Clients are affected by and in constant dynamic interactions with other systems, including families, groups, organizations, and communities" (p. 35-36). As a social worker, when you address the needs of an individual client, you also take into account the systems with which the client interacts. Obtaining information about these systems helps you better assess your client's situation. These systems may provide support to the client, or they may contribute to the client's presenting problem.

Consider the case of Lester Johnson, a 59-year-old African American widower who sustained severe injuries resulting from a multi-vehicle crash. He interacts with multiple systems that influence his health, recovery process, and well-being, including his family system, community, healthcare system, and social services. A systems perspective enables a comprehensive understanding of these interconnected influences, facilitating tailored interventions that address not only Lester’s medical needs but also his social and emotional challenges.

Application of a Systems Perspective to Lester Johnson’s Case

Applying a systems perspective to Lester's case involves recognizing how different systems impact his recovery and overall well-being. His immediate medical system, comprising hospital and rehabilitation services, plays a crucial role in his physical recovery. However, his social system, including his family and community, significantly influences his emotional health and support network. Lester’s sister-in-law, who actively visits and manages his household matters, exemplifies the vital role of family systems in providing emotional support and ensuring continuity of care. His children, who hold power of attorney, represent his legal and decision-making system, although they have yet to engage actively in his care planning.

Furthermore, Lester's community resources, such as community-based health and social services, can facilitate long-term rehabilitation and reintegration. His prior connection as a worship leader and active church member might also serve as a source of spiritual and community support, aiding his psychological resilience. A systems approach encourages social workers to evaluate how these external systems intersect and influence Lester's physical health, emotional state, and social independence. By engaging with these various systems, social workers can develop holistic care plans that address multiple facets of Lester’s needs, promoting better recovery outcomes.

Applying a Systems Perspective to Broader Social Work Practice

In social work practice in general, adopting a systems perspective involves understanding clients within their broader social contexts rather than viewing them in isolation. It underscores the importance of assessing various interacting systems—families, organizations, institutions, and communities—that shape individuals’ experiences and potential pathways for intervention. For instance, in working with clients with disabilities, social workers must consider how environmental, societal, and policy-level factors either facilitate or hinder their access to services and opportunities (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016).

Applying a systems perspective also supports strengths-based and culturally competent practice by recognizing the resources and capacities existing within the client’s systems. For example, empowering family members in decision-making processes, advocating for accessible services, and fostering community engagement are fundamental strategies rooted in a systems-oriented approach. This perspective encourages collaboration across agencies and disciplines, ensuring interventions coordinate effectively to support clients’ holistic needs, facilitate social change, and promote social justice (Larsson & Sjà¶blom, 2010).

In essence, adopting a systems perspective enhances social workers' ability to design comprehensive, sustainable, and culturally sensitive interventions. It also helps identify systemic barriers, such as structural inequalities that perpetuate disability or health disparities. Recognizing these systemic influences allows social workers to advocate for policy changes and social reforms that promote equity and inclusion, thereby contributing to social change at macro levels (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014).

References

• Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
• Larsson, S., & Sjà¶blom, Y. (2010). Perspectives on narrative methods in social work research. International Journal of Social Welfare, 19(3), 272–280.
• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (2014). Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.
• Pack, M. (2011). Discovering an integrated framework for practice: a qualitative investigation of theories used by social workers working as sexual abuse therapists. Journal of Social Work Practice, 25(1), 79–93.
• Roscoe, K., Carson, A. M., & Madoc-Jones, L. (2011). Narrative social work: Conversations between theory and practice. Journal of Social Work Practice, 25(1), 47–61.
• Savaya, R., & Gardner, F. (2012). Critical reflection to identify gaps between espoused theory and theory-in-use. Social Work, 57(2), 145–154.