#STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS THEORY SERIES#

Ecological systems theory also explicitly defines the environmental systems as including nonliving elements, something sometimes assumed but never explicitly stated in general systems theory (Shriver, 1998). A critique of general systems theory in its application to social work is that it focuses on elements of an individual’s life as components of a system, which comes with an assumption of equilibrium–both that the system needs it and that the system can achieve it (Leighninger, 1977). There is some debate about the differences between general systems theory and ecological systems theory (Schriver, 1998). General systems theory in social work shifted the focus on interventions to understanding the transactions that happen between an individual and their larger systems (Kondrat, 2013). General systems theory assesses the relationship of inputs on the individual, or throughput, and the following consequences, or outputs, in a feedback loop relationship that is aimed at some type of regulation (Skyttner, 1996).

However, arguments against the use of general systems theory in social work have included concerns about the model not accounting for values and ideology as well as concerns about application of the model to the complexities of the human experience (Kondrat, 2013 Shriver, 1998). Taking a person in environment approach gives social workers more opportunities to intervene-understanding the various systems in place that allow or perpetuate a problem creates more intervention points. The purpose of using general systems theory in social work is to begin understanding the “person in environment”, which is the perception of each individual as a participant influenced by larger physical, social, and environmental systems (Berg-Weger, 2005). The systems that influence the individual in the social work perspective can be social or physical entities–family, culture, workplace, communities, etc. General systems theory has mostly been replaced by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, but is still used in some areas of social work (Kondrat, 2013). General systems theory considers all systems as subsystems of other systems, and considers large systems as environments for other systems, thus always exploring the flow and impact of different systems between and against each other (Forder, 1976).

#STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS THEORY SERIES#

The social work understanding of general systems theory, much like the name suggests, is a theory based on understanding a system–a series of components that interact with and influence one another (Berg-Weger, 2005).

The biologist credited with general systems theory is Bertalanffy, who was concerned about the practice of studying phenomena as isolated entities instead of players in feedback systems and hierarchical orders (Kondrat, 2013). General systems theory was introduced to the social work field in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and was based on a biological model (Kondrat, 2013). General Systems Theory & Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory Theories include general systems theory, Bronfennbrenner’s ecological systems theory, conflict theory, structural-functional theory, labeling theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In this section, the authors discuss a range of theories to provide a context for human trafficking. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: A pyramid-style model that sets out the needs of all individuals in a hierarchical manner Chapter on Theories Labeling theory: A theory that explores the behavioral implications of labeling a person deviant or criminal Structural-functional theory: A theory used to understand society by exploring the functional role that all parts play in a society this theory is also referred to as functionalism and structural functionalism General systems theory: A theory based on interactions between varying sizes of systems in maintaining equilibrium through inputs, throughouts, outputs, and feedback loopsīronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory: A theory used to understand the bidirectional influence of varying levels of ecological systems on an individualĬonflict theory: A theory aimed at understanding oppression and power structures through examining structural conflict

Structural functional systems theory