Assessment Task 1 (2) (1)

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1 Applying Systems Theory to A Case Study Student’s Name Professor’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Date

2 Applying Systems Theory to A Case Study Introduction Systems theory offers a comprehensive framework for deconstructing complex systems, which may be successfully used to understand the characteristics of a given case study. The Theory can be applied in various areas, including finance, sociology, physiology, and cognitive science (Azam & Mazid, 2022) . This theory is predicated on the concept that social systems like families, institutions, and communities are composed of interrelated pieces that impact and affect one another (Cantor et al., 2021 ) . According to this theory, social issues can neither be comprehended nor solved in a vacuum; instead, it is necessary to examine them within the more comprehensive framework of the social systems in which they are manifested. The issue of feedback effects is an important one in the field of systems theory. These procedures allow changes in one component of a social system to impact other system elements (Preiser et al., 2018) . For instance, a change in the behavior of one family member can result in changes in the conduct of other people in the family, which can then lead to additional changes in the behavior of the first family member. This continuous change cycle and adaptability is a critical component of social systems, and it is crucial to both the recognition of societal problems and the solutions to those problems. The application of systems theory as a directing principle in producing and delivering products and services is standard (Azam & Mazid, 2022) . Social workers can design initiatives based on the factors that lead to societal issues. Being familiar with the interconnectivity of social systems also allows workers to develop strategies that identify the underlying causes of these issues instead of just the signs of these difficulties (Buckley, 2017) . The significance of working together and coordinating efforts among many organizations and stakeholders is another important point in systems theory, as is the

3 requirement for continuous assessment and adjustment in response to shifting environmental factors. Analysis of the Case Study Systems theory views a system as a group of linked and interdependent pieces that collaborate to accomplish a shared purpose (Azam & Mazid, 2022) . Systems theory can be applied to this case study to investigate a particular circumstance or problem and understand how the various components of the system are interacting with one another and impacting one another ( Larsen–Freeman , 2019) . In particular, the issue at hand is that Lucy is having difficulty managing her relationships with her husband and her husband's parents. She has also recently found it difficult to manage her relationships with her children. She is cut off from society and is having trouble making ends meet at the same time. Another big issue is that over the previous two years, Lucy has developed an increased fear whenever she goes outside. She has the impression that this anxiety is worsening, and as a result, she is having a harder time going to the stores weekly to complete her grocery shopping. She rushes out of the building after dropping off her two oldest children, Tina and Jack, at school because she is anxious that she will run into other parents and that they will want to talk with her. Lucy, Paul, Paul's Parents, and her children Tina, Jack, and Amy can be viewed as an interconnected system. The fundamental element of systems theory is that a system is a changing, complex entity that cannot be fully comprehended by examining each of its components separately (Tramonti et al., 2019). Several subsystems operate inside this more extensive system, including the relationship between Lucy and Paul, Paul and his parents, and the relationship between the children and their respective parents. The actions and behaviours of each person can be seen as having an influence and impact on the behavior and actions of other individuals in this case study. According to Robert (2019) the system's organizational framework and the guidelines governing these elements' interactions serve to specify the

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4 links between them. In this case, the abusive language and threatening conduct that Paul displays toward Lucy may have been affected by how he was brought up by his parents, as well as the instances of domestic violence that he observed. At the same time, he was a youngster in the family where he was raised. Similarly, the harsh and commanding manner in which Paul's parents interact with their son may result from their previous experiences and upbringing. In addition , the system as a whole is subject to the influence of external events. External events in systems theory alludes to any elements that come from outside the system and can affect how well it functions (Germain & Knight, 2021). In this case,the marriage celebration that brought Lucy and Paul together and the cultural distinctions between them. These external influences could result in difficulties and pressures within the system, resulting in disputes and disruptions. In addition, the intellectual impairment that Paul has. Amy's developmental issues and Lucy's limited access to transportation are all examples of external factors that could also influence the operation and interactions of the system, which may ultimately result in other conflicts and interruptions. To be more specific, Amy's developmental delays could also affect the structure and functioning of the family system, which may result in obstacles and problems for Amy's parents in providing for her care and satisfying her requirements. Similarly, Paul's issues with rage and bad decision-making can jeopardize the children's health and safety and influence how Lucy perceives and interacts with him. Still in the meso-level of analysis in systems theory, Lucy is socially isolated and has limited financial resources within the context of the more significant social system. Her only sources of income are the government aid she receives and the irregular payments of maintenance she receives from her ex-husband. Because she lacks the financial means to purchase a vehicle, she does not drive. Her anxiousness and difficulties obtaining essentials

5 like groceries are likely to be exacerbated by the causes mentioned above. In systems theory, it's critical to take into account potential external factors that could have an impact on the system and how those factors might affect the issues being addressed. This enables social workers to recognize and address any possible obstacles to change and to create plans that take into consideration the system's broader environment (Germain & Knight, 2021). According to this theory, the connections and feedback that take place within a system are what cause change to take place (Teater, 2019) . When a system is at equilibrium, which means that all of its components are operating together in a balanced manner, any change in one aspect of the system can affect feature components, resulting in a shift in the balance of the system (Buckley, 2017) . In this case study, for example, a behavioral change of one family member can influence the relationships and interactions within the family system, possibly resulting in changes in the working and well-being of the other family members. For instance, Paul seeking treatment for his anger management issue is an example of a behavior change that could have an impact. Additionally, external forces like the availability of resources, cultural variations, and social support systems can all affect the system, which can then lead to changes in the functionality and well-being of the persons who are a part of that system. The social worker's role would be to offer support and direction as Lucy deals with the difficulties and pressures that are a part of her life, as well as to assist the Lucy in cultivating positive, life-affirming relationships and connections within their environment (Johnson, 2013) . This could mean assisting her in identifying and addressing the different sources of stress and tension in her life, such as her connection with Paul and his family by sing counselling, referrals, and support groups . In addition, the social worker may be able to assist Lucy in developing coping techniques and abilities by teaching them CBT skills to control her anxiety and mood, as well as construct a support network that is separate from her

6 current interactions with Paul and his family. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the relationship between an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and through this, s ocial workers can teach clients CBT skills to help them identify and change negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety and mood difficulties . In addition, the social worker could assist Lucy in determining her children's needs and advocating for them by recommending various useful resources including online educational resources like websites and brochures that can help them with mental health, parenting, education, and other needs. Critique of Systems Theory Approaches based on systems theory operate under the assumption that all systems are, by nature, self-regulating and harmonious and that any shifts or interruptions that occur within the system are only transient and will, in the end, be addressed (Preiser et al., 2018) . This assumption can be considered as making ethical and ideological conclusions about the characteristics of social systems. In addition, the systems theory also makes assumptions about the value of particular social institutions and relationships Teater ( 2019) , like the worth of the nuclear family or the importance of conventional gender roles. This could be interpreted as making political assumptions about what aspects of a functioning system are essential. It also can neglect the variety and complexity of human experiences and requirements. Additionally, t he theory makes the assumption that certain fundamental concepts and principles hold true across different domains, such as the family, community, and society which allows for the transfer of knowledge and understanding from one area to another, despite the fact that these domains have evolved separately over time . This assumption is a crucial part of systems theory because it allows professionals like social workers and psychologists to use systems theory to the advantage of the people they work with (Westera,

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7 2015) . It is also widely stated that this theory can be excessively deterministic, implying that humans are only components of a more extensive system and cannot make free decisions or do acts that can affect the system. This is a widespread criticism of the theory. This could be interpreted as engaging in ethical and political speculation regarding the agency and independence of individuals within the context of social systems. The application of systems theory also has several advantages, including its focus on the connectivity and interdependence of several subsystems within a larger system . For example, in Lucy’s case study, Lucy, Paul, Paul's Parents, and her children Tina, Jack, and Amy can be viewed a s subs ystem s in a larger system but each one connects and is interdependent on each other . This could provide useful insights into the complex dynamics and interactions within social systems (Teece, 2018) . When there are several constituents involved in a situation, this is useful since it can assist practitioners in appreciating the potential effects of their actions on the system. This is especially useful when there is more than one component involved. In addition, the systems theory emphasizes feedback and interaction between system components including both negative and positive reactions and interactions (Teece, 2018) , which can assist practitioners in determining the potential effects their interventions and actions may have on the system. Because of this, social workers may be better able to foresee the possibility of unexpected repercussions and alter their treatments accordingly. In addition, the focus that systems theory places on the significance of context and individual experiences inside a system can assist social workers in better comprehending the one-of-a-kind requirements and events specific to individual customers or stakeholders. (Teater, 2019) They will not have to settle for a one-size-fits-all strategy if they use this information to shape their interventions around the particular requirements and conditions of each client they serve.

8 The field of social work practice benefits significantly from the application of systems theory's emphasis on the significance of partnership and collaboration. This indicates that social workers must collaborate directly with the service user and other key parties to recognize and address the difficulties and pressures in the service user's life (Allan, 2020) . In this case , the social workers could provide care for Lucy while also including the other family members to facilitate the development of healthier connections and a higher level of well- being for all the individuals involved. This theory highlights the significance of considering the individual in the broader context of their surroundings and relationships with others. This indicates that in this case study, the employees must consider the many systems and elements that affect Lucy's life, like their family, society, culture, and economic situations. In conclusion, systems theory offers a helpful framework for analyzing the case study that focuses on Lucy, her family, and their situation. The approach emphasizes the interconnectivity and interdependence of all components that make up a system and how changes to one component can affect other features. The symptoms of more significant problems within the system, like isolation and loneliness, money problems, and Lucy's relationship with her husband and his family, might be interpreted as the cause of her anxiety and loss of control over her children. Lucy is faced with a challenging circumstance that may quickly become overpowering due to the abovementioned issues, Amy's developmental delays, and Paul's intellectual handicap. Even though systems theory has several drawbacks, including a propensity to exaggerate difficult situations and a failure to take individual agency and subjectivity into account, systems theory can still provide useful perspectives and guide appropriate approaches when applied to social work practice.

9 References Allan, J. (2020). Doing critical social work. In Critical social work (pp. 70–87). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003115304-8/critical-social- work-june-allan Azam, G. M., & Mazid, M. A. (2022). Social Work Practice in Bangladesh: Contextual Issues and Challenges. Methods , 4 (8), 6–21. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Md-Mazid- 6/publication/363485756_Social_Work_Practice_in_Bangladesh_Contextual_Issues_an d_Challenges/links/631f644970cc936cd301e7f0/Social-Work-Practice-in-Bangladesh- Contextual-Issues-and-Challenges.pdf Buckley, W. (2017). Society as a complex adaptive system. In Systems Research for Behavioral Sciencesystems Research (pp. 490–513). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315130569-67/society- complex-adaptive-system-walter-buckley Germain, C., & Knight, C. (2021). The life model of social work practice. In The Life Model of Social Work Practice . Columbia University Press. Johnson, R. (2013). Spirituality in counseling and psychotherapy: An integrative approach that empowers clients . John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.co.ke/books? hl=en&lr=&id=8B2mTy3eZ2MC&oi=fnd&pg=PP5&dq=Johnson,+R.+(2013). +Spirituality+in+counseling+and+psychotherapy: +An+integrative+approach+that+empowers+clients.+John+Wiley+ %26+Sons.&ots=KmJGfh0qVV&sig=gszKbPXMDk3U2ILbq-S_Gyw_-

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10 e0&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Johnson%2C R. (2013). Spirituality in counseling and psychotherapy%3A An integrative approach that empowers clients. John Wiley %26 Sons.&f=false Preiser, R., Biggs, R., De Vos, A., & Folke, C. (2018). Social-ecological systems as complex adaptive systems. Ecology and Society , 23 (4). https://www.jstor.org/stable/26796889#metadata_info_tab_contents Tramonti, F., Giorgi, F., & Fanali, A. (2019). General system theory as a framework for biopsychosocial research and practice in mental health. Systems Research and Behavioral Science , 36 (3), 332-341. Roberts, V. Z. (2019). The organization of work: Contributions from open systems theory. In The unconscious at work (pp. 37-48). Routledge. Teater, B. (2019). An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods 3e . McGraw-Hill Education (UK). Teece, D. J. (2018). Dynamic capabilities as (workable) management systems theory. Journal of Management & Organization , 24 (3), 359–368. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-management-and- organization/article/dynamic-capabilities-as-workable-management-systems- theory/0F3A795EE011931B83135B324C33393E Westera, W. (2015). On the cybernetic arrangement of feedback in serious games: A systems- theoretical perspective. Education and Information Technologies , 20 (1), 57–73. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-013-9267-7

Assessment Task 1 (2) (1)

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