Systems Theory

Systems Theory: the systems in a person's life affect them and interact with one another

5 Principles of Systems
1- All systems seek goal attainment and balance
2- All systems have boundaries
3- All systems are made up of subsystems
4- The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
5- All systems create feedback

Physical Environment: living location and conditions

Social Environment: economic, employment, education, community (neighborhoods, work, cultural communities), organizations, social networks (family, friends, co-workers, co-religionists, neighbors)

Fun Facts about Systems Theory
*individuals are a part of many systems - they are affected by systems and affect the systems

*change in one system or one part of one system will have consequences on other systems

*problems arise because of a poor fit into a system

*social workers should enhance the fit between the individual client and the system

Ecological Perspective: emphasizes that person-environment relationships are characterized by continuous reciprocal exchanges and transactions, in which people and environments influence, shape, and change one another