BSW 110 Handout Sesw - Part 2-1

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
AND SOCIAL WORK:

FAMILY, GROUP, COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATIONS
MR. IAN JOHN BELGIRA, RSW

Dimensions of Assessment in Social Work
Social Environment and Social Work: Family, Group, Community and Organizations
CASE ANALYSIS
“Application of values and ethics to

biopsychosocial Assessments.”
MSU – SW | BELGIRA
Dimensions of Assessment in Social Work
BASIC SUGGESTIONS
1. Put your theoretical and factual knowledge base
about human behavior to work.
2. Identify your own values concerning the issues and

then distinguish between your values and
professional ethics.
3. Weigh the pros and cons of each alternative

available to you and your client, and then proceed
with the alternative you determine is
the most positive.
Multidimensional Approach
to Social Work
Multidimensional Approach to Social Work
SALIENT FEATURES
o Based on the belief that human behavior is
dynamic
Developed through internal & external forces
o Influenced by the interaction of person,

environment, & time
A person is shaped by an ever changing environ-
ment & the environment is shaped by the person
Both are shaped by “time”
MULTIDIMENTIONAL APPROACH
“What is Social Work’s Multidimensional Approach

to Social Environment?”
DIMENSIONS INCLUDE:
THE PERSON
Biological, psychological, social, & spiritual
THE ENVIRONMENT
Family, neighborhood, community, social structure,
clan, “tribe”
TIME
Constants, trends, cycles, shifts, time orientation,
pace of time, life events
All 3 dimensions are shaped by our cultures
WHAT DOES TIME INCLUDE?

Constants – Changes that move in only one direction,
such as age
Trends – Changes that move in a general direction, but
are not constant, such as an increase in the number
of women involved in peace-building
Cycles – Changes that are repetitive, such as the
school semester cycle or the crop harvest cycle
Shifts – Changes that are sudden, such as those caused
by death, illness, trauma, natural disaster, & war
Time orientation – The way we think about time, such as
“past, present, future.” (May depend on our culture)
“A multidimensional approach recognizes

that human behavior develops as a result of many
causes and is multi-determined.”
Introduction to Theory
and Perspectives
Introduction to Theory and Perspectives
THEORY
“There never comes a point where a theory

can be said to be true. The most that one can
claim for any theory is that it has shared the successes
of all its rivals and that it has passed at least one
test which they have failed.”
(Ayer, 1982)
THEORY
“It is sometimes said that theory

is what you learn in the classroom and
practice is what is done
in agencies.”
THEORY
“It is sometimes said that theory

is what you learn in the classroom and
practice is what is done
in agencies.”
THEORY
“Theories help us organize the vast amount

of information at our disposal,
providing a kind of
“mental map to save energy.”
(Polansky, 1986)
THEORY
“A group of related hypotheses,

concepts, and constructs, based on facts
and observations, which attempt to explain
a particular phenomenon.”
(Barker, 2003)
THEORY
“The word concept is of significance.

Concepts are words that signify ideas. They illuminate
theory and theoretical perspectives and provide a
sense of consistency. When we hear social workers
using certain concepts, we can infer a certain
theoretical orientation.”
THEORY
“Theory should be dynamic if it is to be

used in mastering the world, and parsimonious
so as to be kept at one’s fingertips. It must be
capable of resolving seeming paradoxes, and
realistic enough to fit our level of experiencing
the world. It should of course cover a larger
realm of ideas than we use in direct work on any
given case, and be capable of
inciting us to extend it.”
THEORY
“A theory may be small range (what Merton called
middle range) and explain only certain aspects
of human life. Grand theory is theory that is
all encompassing—or attempts to be.”
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
“Perspective is often broader than a theory

but lacks the explanatory and predictive power.
A perspective, after all, is simply a viewpoint that is
heavily influenced by one’s cultural and political
orientations. As a lens through which one observes
human behavior and the human condition,
a theoretical perspective can direct our assessment of
client issues and record treatment progress..”
THEORY
“Due to the complexity of human behaviour

and of the environments within which it is played out,
a variety of theories and concepts is necessary—
different theories for different situations.
Moreover, as Payne (2005) indicates, value and
cultural bases of different societies may be
incompatible with presumptions and
prescriptions....”
THEORY
TO SUM IT UP
 A system of thoughts & interrelated concepts
 Includes general propositions – intended to explain

or predict phenomena in specific situations
PURPOSE OF THEORY
It explains & predicts:
 individual human behavior (micro)
 the impact of larger social structures (mezzo)
 social problems (macro)
It guides & informs:

 social work practice
 social policy & knowledge development
It directs social work research
It gives credibility to the profession

THEREFORE
“Theories help us know which way to go &

how to get there!”
BUT WAIT!
“Theories are “socially constructed” ideas.

That means… Theories are shaped by the social
world in which they were developed.”
THEORY
“Yet, all theories evolve

& develop within
a socio-historical context influenced
by time.”
FOR EXAMPLE
Theories about what is “normal” human
behavior change:
 from culture to culture,
 from one historical moment to the next,
 from one specific interpersonal,

situation to another, and
 from one person’s beliefs to another’s.
FOR THIS REASON, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CRITIQUE

To question…
 how the theory developed & who developed it
To determine…
 the evidence for the theory’s support
To evaluate…
 whether the theory is useful for the people
we serve & in the situations where we work
To assess…
 if the theory is in line with social work values &
ethics
“What theories are we going to discuss

in this class?
Why were they selected?”
“These are theories about interaction

In the social environment.”
“These are theories about interaction

In the social environment.
Especially useful for micro, mezzo
and macro practice.”
REMEMBER THAT
 A multidimensional approach requires multiple
theories
 There is no one theory that can fit all situations all

of the time
 Attention to diversity & oppression must always be

given
 Theories are evolving, tentative, & socially

constructed
SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
AND SOCIAL WORK:
FAMILY, GROUP, COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATIONS
MR. IAN JOHN BELGIRA, RSW

General Systems
Theory
General Systems Theory
SALIENT POINTS
LUDWIG VON BARTANFFY
The father of general systems theory
GENERALIST
A person competent in several different fields or
activities. (OMED, 1996)
SYSTEMS THEORY/SOCIAL SYSTEMS THEORY

is an application of general systems theory to four
human systems: the individual, the family/small group,
the organization, and the community.
SALIENT POINTS
“Social systems theory may be described as

a “way of thinking,” a “theory about theories,”
a “hypothesis about theories,” which has evolved into
a loosely knit body of theory.”
(Irl Carter)
DEFINING SYSTEM
 A set of interrelated & interdependent objects
 A unit of wholeness with distinct properties &

boundaries differentiating it from other units
 A system should be viewed as a constantly

changing whole , always in the process of
movement towards its goal.
EXAMPLE OF SYSTEM
A mechanical system
Such as an air conditioning system
A human system
Such as the physical body
A social system
Such as a family, a small group, a clan, a tribe
A governmental system
Such as a city, a state, a nation
An astronomical system
Such as our solar system
THE BEAUTY OF GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY

It is comprehensive
It offers greater potential for description and integration
of seemingly disparate theories into a single framework
than any other framework we know of.
It provides suggestive leads

It provides suggestive leads for all sectors of human
behavior, even though it does not map all sectors
adequately or equally.
THE BEAUTY OF GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY

It has the potential to provide a common language
Especially to various disciplines, both within and
across disciplines.
Parsimony is the final characteristic

Social systems theory allows the student to reduce the
“blooming, buzzing confusion” of theories of human
behavior and methods of practice to a framework that
can be mastered; the proverbial “Occam’s razor”
(the simplest answer may be best) comes to mind.
KEY CONCEPTS
HOLON
An idea that each entity is simultaneously a part and a
whole
“A social unit is made up of parts to which

it is the whole, the suprasystem, and at the same
time it is part of some larger whole of which it is
a component or subsystem.”
“The individual person constitutes

the apex of the hierarchy of organisms and,
at the same time, is the lowest unit
of the social hierarchy.”
(Irl Carter)
KEY CONCEPTS
SYSTEM
A system is a set of elements that are orderly and
interrelated to make a functional whole.
BOUNDARIES
Boundaries are the borders or margins that separate
one entity from another.
SUBSYSTEM
A subsystem is a secondary or subordinate system that
is a component of a larger system
KEY CONCEPTS
RELATIONSHIP
A relationship is a reciprocal, dynamic, interpersonal
connection characterized by patterns of emotional
exchange, communication, and behavioral interaction.
INPUT
Involves the energy, information, or communication
flow received from other systems.
OUTPUT
Response of a system, after receiving and processing
input, that affects other systems in the environment.
KEY CONCEPTS
FEEDBACK
special form of input in which a system receives
information about its own performance.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
This involves a system receiving information about
what it is doing correctly in order to maintain itself
and thrive.
INTERFACE
the point where two systems (including individuals,
families, groups, organizations, or communities) come
into contact with each other or communicate.
KEY CONCEPTS
DIFFERENTIATION
A system’s tendency to move from a more simplified
to a more complex existence.
ENTROPY
The tendency of a system to progress toward
disorganization, depletion, and death. (Negative
entropy is the process of a system toward growth
and development.
EQUIFINALITY
Refers to the fact that there are many different means
to the same end.
“Systems theories make up a broad

category of such symbolic representations.
They involve concepts that emphasize interactions
and relationships among various systems,
including individuals, families, groups, organizations,
or communities. Systems theories provide a broad
approach to understanding the world and can
be applied to a multitude of settings.”
Ecological Systems
Theory
Ecological Systems Theory
SALIENT POINTS
“Ecosystems theory is “systems theory

used to describe and analyze people and other
living systems and their transactions.”
Beckett & Johnson, 1995
SALIENT POINTS
“Ecological theory is an approach

to social work practice that focuses on the
transactions between a client and his/her significant
social systems.”
VIEW OF SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
“The social environment involves the conditions,

circumstances, and human interactions that
encompass human beings. Individuals must have
effective interactions with this environment in order to
survive and thrive.”
“The social environment includes the actual physical

setting that the society or culture provides.
This involves the type of home a person lives in,
the type of work a person does, the amount of money
that is available, and the laws and social rules
people live by.”
“The social environment also includes

the individuals, groups, organizations, and systems
With which a person comes into contact, including
family, friends, work groups, and governments.
Social institutions such as healthcare, housing, social
welfare, and educational systems are yet other
\aspects of this social environment.”
ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTVE
 Proposed that human adaptation is based on

transactions between people and their environment.
 Emphasized adaptation of a population or group

& “goodness of fit.”
KEY CONCEPTS
Interface
The interface in the ecological perspective is similar to
that in systems theory. It is the exact point at which the
interaction between an individual and the environment
takes place.
Adaptation
Refers to the capacity to adjust to surrounding
environmental conditions. It implies change. A person
must change or adapt to new conditions and circums-
tances in order to continue functioning effectively.
KEY CONCEPTS
Coping
A form of adaptation that implies a struggle to
overcome problems. It refers to the way people deal
with the negative experiences they encounter.
Interdependence
The mutual reliance of each person upon every other
person. An individual is interdependent or reliant upon
other individuals and groups of individuals
in the social environment.
ECOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK
Society
Community
Family
Individual
ECOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK
System Theories
In Social Work
Systems Theories in Social Work
SYSTEMS THEORISTS IN SOCIAL WORK
o Talcott Parsons was an economist and whose

book “Social System” helped steer the conversation
on systematic determinants of behavior.
o Robert Merton is considered one of the founding

fathers of modern sociology and significantly
advanced Systems Theory through his progressive
theories on functional analysis
SYSTEMS THEORISTS IN SOCIAL WORK
o Carel Germain internationally recognized for her

work on explaining human behavior in a social
environment.
o Alex Gitterman was mentored by Carel Germain

and and worked extensively with her. He continues
to develop Systems Theory through the Life Model.
ADDITIONAL CONCEPTS OF SYSTEMS THEORY

Closed Systems
Does not interact with any other system they neither
accept input from them nor convey output to them.
Open Systems
Engaged in interchanges with its environment and
therefore continues to grow and change.

Tension
May manifest itself in either destructive or constructive
ways. This is not seen as positive or negative but
rather as attributes of all systems simply
because they are alive.
Change and Stability

Open system are constantly in the process of change.
However, a system must also maintain
dynamic equilibrium.

(Pincus and Minahan proposed six systems that social
workers interact with in their practice)
 Change Agent System
Agency or institution that employs social workers
 Client System
An individual or group which asked help from the
social worker
 Target System
People that the worker need to change or influence
in order to achieve goal.

 Action System
Those which the worker interacts in a cooperative
way in order to bring about change helpful
to the client
 Professional System
Professional association, education system; values
and sanctions of professional practice
 Problem Identification System

System that acts to bring potential client to the
attention of the worker.

 Action System
Those which the worker interacts in a cooperative
way in order to bring about change helpful
to the client
 Professional System
Professional association, education system; values
and sanctions of professional practice
 Problem Identification System

System that acts to bring potential client to the
attention of the worker.
TOOLS HELPFUL TO SYSTEMS THEORIES

Eco-Map
o The eco-map identifies the client’s current
social context.
o a paper and pencil diagram of the ecological system

of the client/family, the major systems, together with
all their relationships, that affect and are affected
by the client/family.
TOOLS HELPFUL TO SYSTEMS THEORIES

Genogram
o a graphic representation of “family” members and
their relationships over at least three generations.
o It looks very much like a family tree or a genealogy

chart.
KEY IDEAS IN SYSTEMS THEORIES

 People are not isolated individuals but operate as
part of wider networks or “systems”.
 Difficulties may arise if there is lack of fit between

the person and the systems they operate within.
 Holistic approach which is relevant to social work

practice.
ACTIVITY TIME
WORKSHOP
“Using your family of origin as the base point,

how would you describe the system
in which you live?”
(Use Eco-map and Genogram)
Thank you
Enjoy the rest of your day. God bless!

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SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

AND SOCIAL WORK:

MR. IAN JOHN BELGIRA, RSW

“Application of values and ethics to

2. Identify your own values concerning the issues and

3. Weigh the pros and cons of each alternative

o Influenced by the interaction of person,

Both are shaped by “time”

“What is Social Work’s Multidimensional Approach

All 3 dimensions are shaped by our cultures

WHAT DOES TIME INCLUDE?

“A multidimensional approach recognizes

“There never comes a point where a theory

“It is sometimes said that theory

“It is sometimes said that theory

“Theories help us organize the vast amount

“A group of related hypotheses,

“The word concept is of significance.

“Theory should be dynamic if it is to be

“Perspective is often broader than a theory

“Due to the complexity of human behaviour

 Includes general propositions – intended to explain

It guides & informs:

It directs social work research

It gives credibility to the profession

“Theories help us know which way to go &

“Theories are “socially constructed” ideas.

“Yet, all theories evolve

 from one historical moment to the next,

 from one specific interpersonal,

 from one person’s beliefs to another’s.

FOR THIS REASON, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CRITIQUE

“What theories are we going to discuss

“These are theories about interaction

“These are theories about interaction

 There is no one theory that can fit all situations all

 Attention to diversity & oppression must always be

 Theories are evolving, tentative, & socially

MR. IAN JOHN BELGIRA, RSW

SYSTEMS THEORY/SOCIAL SYSTEMS THEORY

“Social systems theory may be described as

 A unit of wholeness with distinct properties &

 A system should be viewed as a constantly

THE BEAUTY OF GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY

It provides suggestive leads

THE BEAUTY OF GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY

Parsimony is the final characteristic

“A social unit is made up of parts to which

“The individual person constitutes

“Systems theories make up a broad

“Ecosystems theory is “systems theory

Beckett & Johnson, 1995

“Ecological theory is an approach

VIEW OF SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

“The social environment involves the conditions,

VIEW OF SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

“The social environment includes the actual physical

VIEW OF SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

“The social environment also includes

 Proposed that human adaptation is based on

 Emphasized adaptation of a population or group

SYSTEMS THEORISTS IN SOCIAL WORK

o Talcott Parsons was an economist and whose