Discussion: Systems Perspective and Social Change
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.
For this Discussion, review “Working With People With Disabilities: The Case of Lester.”Consider the systems with which Lester Johnson, the client, interacts. Think about ways you might apply a systems perspective to his case. Also, consider the significance of the systems perspective for social work in general.
By Day 3
Post a Discussion in which you explain how multiple systems interact to impact individuals. Explain how you, as a social worker, might apply a systems perspective to your work with Lester Johnson. Finally, explain how you might apply a systems perspective to social work practice.
By Day 5
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts.
Respond to at least two colleagues in one of the following ways:
- Critique your colleague’s suggestion about how to apply a systems perspective to Lester Johnson’s case.
- Identify one way that a concept in your colleague’s post might contribute towards advocacy and social change.
- Discuss how you might apply the empowerment and strengths approach to one of the concepts your colleague has presented.
Be sure to support your responses with specific references to the resources. If you are using additional articles, be sure to provide full APA-formatted citations for your references.
Learning Resources
Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
Required Readings
Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
- Chapter 1, “Introduction to Human Behavior and the Social Environment” (pp. 1-44)
Larsson, S., & Sjöblom, 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. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
- “Working With People With Disabilities: The Case of Lester” (pp. 31–33)
Note: This text is available as an eBook (electronic book). It will be provided to you via an email from the Walden University book store.
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.
Optional Resources
Use the link below to access the MSW home page, which provides resources for your social work program.MSW home page
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