Unit 3: Ecological Systems Prespective

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Chapter 3: The Ecological/Systems Perspective

Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing.

Social Work: A Competency-Oriented Education

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

- Defines Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAs)

- Developed 10 “Core Competencies” and 41 Related “Practice Behaviors”

Every student should master the Practice Behaviors and Core Competencies before completing the program


Resources Aligned to EPAS 2008

The Textbook –

- “Helping Hands” icons call attention to content that relates to Practice Behaviors and Competencies

- “Competency Notes” at the end of the chapter help put the Practice Behaviors and Competencies in practical context


Resources Aligned to EPAS 2008 (cont’d)

The Practice Behaviors Workbook developed

with the text provides assignable exercises that assist in mastering the Practice Behavior and Competencies

Additional on-line resources can be found at: www.cengage.com/socialwork


Ecological/systems frameworkAn umbrella framework used by generalist social

work practitioners to understand both social welfare

problems and individual needs and to guide the

various interventions social workers use when

helping clients.

EP2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Impact of frameworks on intervention

Does the framework:• contribute to preserving/restoring dignity?• recognize benefits of and celebrate diversity?• assist in transforming ourselves and society to

recognize strengths?• help us to reach our fullest potential?• reflect participation and experiences of diverse

groups and individuals?

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Causal relationships and association• Cause-and-effect relationship are not likely when

talking about social welfare and individual problems• Association, or many factors connected to or

related to problem, rather than one isolated factor,

more appropriate

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


A conceptual framework for understanding

Social welfare problems• Theory – way of clearly and logically organizing a

set of facts or ideas• Good theories must be inclusive, capable of being

generalized, and testable• There are many theories applicable to social

work practice

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


The ecological/systems framework

• Broad “umbrella” framework for understandingsocial welfare problems and determining specific intervention theories to address them

• Allows focus on both person and environment and interactions between them

• Focuses on both structure (systemic properties) and interactions (ecology)

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Systems theory and concepts

• System – entity composed of separate but interacting and interdependent parts

• Synergy – achieved when all the parts of a system are working in concert with each other

• Boundary – point at which one system ends and another begins

• Open system – system with permeable boundaries

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Systems Theory and Concepts (cont’d)• Closed system – system with impermeable

boundaries

• Entropy – closed system that stagnates and eventually dies

• Steady state - systems are steadily moving • Equifinality – final state of system is achieved in

many different ways (different interventions can

achieve same results)

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Ecological/systems perspective

• Incorporates bio-psycho-social- cultural perspectivesof individual

• Incorporates broader environment• Can define a system/subsystem in many ways• Allows for use of tools such as “ecomaps” to

determine aspects of person and environment that create both risk and opportunity for individuals and communities

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Levels of the environment• Microsystem – individual and all persons and

groups that incorporate the individual’s day-to-day environment

• Mesosystem – relationship between two micro-systems linked by some person who is present in both

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Levels of the environment (cont’d)• Exosystem – community factors that may not

relate directly to an individual but affect the way that person functions

• Macrosystem – “blueprints” for defining and

organizing society, such as societal values

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Problems in living

• All persons experience “problems in living”: - When experiencing life transitions, such as getting married and having children - when interacting with their environments - When there are maladaptive interpersonal problems and needs in families in groups

• These patterns must be incorporated in social work interventions

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Utility of the ecological/systems framework

• Allows one to deal with multiple factors and

relationships between them• Concepts apply to individuals, families, groups,

organizations, communities, society• Focuses on transactions between systems• Views people as actively involved with their

environments and capable of change

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Utility of the ecological/systems framework• Views systems as goal-oriented and incorporates

client in change process• Allows a social worker to engage in positive

transactions• Views change and conflict as part of daily living • Encourages social workers to be aware of systems

and how change at one level impacts all levels

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Other theories and frameworks• Psychosocial frameworks

- Psychoanalytic theory

- Ego psychology/life span development• Cognitive behavioral frameworks• Political and ideological frameworks• All other frameworks can be incorporated within the

systems/ecological framework

EP 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


The Generalist Model• Allows for multiple interventions in working with

clients at the individual, family, group, organizational, community, or societal level

• Incorporates a knowledge, value, and skills base that is transferable between and among diverse contexts and locations

• Incorporates ecological/systems framework and focuses on fit between person and environment

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Concepts of generalist practice• Strengths perspective • Empowerment and resilience• Social and economic justice• Social worker is a change agent who uses

helping process to facilitate change in client

or client systems

EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.3b, 2.1.7a


Stages of the helping process• Dialogue/engagement stage

- Develop relationship- Define the problem- Identify preliminary goals

• Discovery/contract stage- Assess and evaluate needs- Explore resources and client strengths- Develop action plans and frame solutions

EP 2.1.3b, 2.1.10 a, b, c


Stages of the helping process• Development/action stage

- Carry out plan- Strengthen clients/help them get what they need- Engage resources- Monitor plan and adjust as needed- Terminate when appropriate- Evaluate change and strategies for continued success

EP 2.1.3b, 2.1.10 a, b, c


Unit 3: Ecological Systems Prespective

Education

Transcript of Unit 3: Ecological Systems Prespective