1. CHAPTER SIX FAMILIES AS SYSTEMS
The Practice of Generalist Social Work (2nd ed.)

2. Key Ideas
Systems theory helps social workers to conceptualize families as highly organized systems, whose parts are dependent on one another.
These components can be used in interventions to help improve family functioning.
© 2011 Taylor & Francis

3. Key Systems Theory Dimensions
Component Changes
Also known as homeostasis, systems theory posits that a change in one part of the system affects other parts of the system.
All systems strive to maintain homeostasis, regardless of whether that homeostasis results in positive or negative functioning for the system.
© 2011 Taylor & Francis

4. Key Systems Theory Dimensions
Subsystems
Smaller systems within a larger system that organize relationships within the system as a whole
Social workers assess and intervene with subsystems to help improve functioning of the larger family system
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5. Key Systems Theory Dimensions
Boundaries
Help define the types and qualities of relationships between subsystems
Permeable boundaries
Diffuse boundaries
Rigid boundaries
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6. Key Systems Theory Dimensions
Family Norms
Rules of conduct that help define subsystems and boundaries in family systems
Can be implicit or explicit
Can be negotiable or non-negotiable
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7. Key Systems Theory Dimensions
Family Roles
Socially or culturally sanctioned patterns of behaviors expected of individuals within a system
Examples of roles
Hero
Clown
Lost child
Scapegoat
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8. Key Systems Theory Dimensions
Differentiation
A system’s movement from a simple existence toward a more complex form of functioning
Entropy
A system’s movement toward disorganization and death. Negative entropy is a system’s movement toward growth and development
Feedback
Positive or negative information about a system’s performance
© 2011 Taylor & Francis