The incorporation of certain psychological and sociological perspectives into social work intervention : a general systems approach

Abstract

In this dissertation the use of general systems theory as an aid to knowledge building, and the refinement of intervention in social work, is investigated. It is held that the social work view of man, and the profession's declared objectives, determine a structure and function for the client.which cause the social worker to resort to psychological and sociological perspectives in his intervention programme. However, the two disciplines concerned formulate their respective perspectives without regard to each other. The disparity between these perspectives present problems when they are incorporated into social work knowledge. The latter, as it is, is characterized by an unco-ordinated body of suppositions, facts, thoughts and theories. The social work literature on the use of the systems approach displays a lack of detailed description of general systems theory and the open living system. Because of this shortcoming it was decided to pay particular attention to general systems theory and the concept of the open living system. Since a system's view of man forms a firm basis for the appreciation of systems theory in psychology and sociology it was decided to include such a consideration. Following on this is an analysis of two perspectives held to be particularly relevant to social work, viz. the personality system and the social system. This leads finally to a description of the social work client as a system, as a sub-system and as a supra-system. Provision is made for the incorporation of psychological and sociological perspectives in social work intervention. It is subsequently concluded that the application of general systems theory has advantages for social work. It facilitates the incorporation of perspectives for psychology and sociology without distortion, promotes the integration and consolidation of social work knowledge, and brings the discipline into relation with the disciplines of psychology and sociology