Exercise 10.4 study guide

Ecological Systems Theory and Person-in-Environment Concept:

The ecological systems theory is perhaps the most important theory within the social work context as it analyzes the development of an individual based on his/her interaction with his/her immediate and external environment. The person-in-environment concept is therefore directly linked to this theory; in the first question here, we highlight six examples of the influences of the four layers of environment (as outlined by the ecological systems theory) on the person-in-environment. All these examples are linked as changes in one layers cause a chain reaction in all other layers as well: Example 1: improper sewage systems negatively impact the health of the people in the community (macro level); Example 2: the low level of local government assistance to improve conditions impacts the trust and reliance of the community on its legislators (macro level); Example 3: the racially biased attitudes of peers will impact self-esteem and deviant inclinations of the targeted students (meso level); Example 4: lack of social control or proper socialization structures will negatively impact an individual's regard and respect for ethics and laws (meso level); Example 5: parent's racist beliefs will result in higher intolerance of the child towards the races in the community (micro level); Example 6: parents' stress from surviving in low socio-economic conditions will translate onto the children and impact their relations and emotional connections (micro level).

Genogram and Eco-map

The rural community chosen has two major problems that social work influence can help them in resolving: 1) improper sewage conditions and 2) racial discrimination. Following in the Genogram and Eco-map that helps us in overcoming these issues:

Ecological Systems Theory and Social Work Influence/Power:

The ecological systems theory would help implement a more aware social work structure as it will help us identify: Internal problems of children and parents, their schedules and lifestyles; Analyze the social and vocational structure and their influence on the lives of families; Analyze the influence of technology and its impact; Analyze the impact of the government activities, industrial growth, economic prosperity, etc.; and, Analyze the overall parallel of morals and ethics that exist. Having all these facts in hand will help us create suitable, quick and sustainable solutions for the problems that communities face.

Use of Podcasts in Social Work

The use of podcasts in social work can be very useful as they can help: Provide a mentor for the children and families inside the comfort of their very homes; tackle different issues like education, health, social structures, feedback, etc. In one publication; The overall impact of a social work strategy can be easily recorded, documented and them marketed for more penetrating influence; The social work improvement structure will break the time and space barrier; Help in communicating loopholes in the education, social and political structures through open discussion form experts; Broadcast interviews from experts that highlight the necessary solutions to the general problems of the households and the communities; take the stress off of the teachers to be the sole source of stability in the families' lives; and, promote certain standards of ethics and morals on a regular basis through motivational speeches, etc.