Systems Perspective in Social Work: The Case of Lester

Introduction: Systems and Social Work Practice

Working with clients in the field of social work requires an understanding of the various systems that interact to affect the individual on different levels. Generally, many factors shape an individual's development in his or her early years and influence his or her present life. Some of the most common factors include religious community, family, lifestyle, job situation, and friends. According to Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2016), clients are usually affected by continuous, dynamic interactions with other systems such as family, organizations, and communities. Therefore, a social worker needs to consider the systems that interact with a client when addressing his or her needs. An understanding of these systems helps in better evaluation of the client's situation, since they either provide support or contribute to the client's current problems. The systems perspective in social work offers a structured lens through which practitioners can assess these complex interactions.

Lester's Case: Background and Context

An example of a situation that illustrates how systems interact with clients to affect their current circumstances is the case of Lester. Lester, a 59-year-old African-American widower, suffered injuries after being involved in a multiple-car crash (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). Before the accident, Lester was an electrician living independently in a family home and was an active member of his community and church. Following the accident, Lester is unable to carry out tasks he once performed independently, such as dressing or bathing himself. He has become dependent on several support systems, including his family, social workers, and rehabilitation centers.

Applying a Systems Perspective to Disability Practice

This situation exemplifies a scenario in which a systems perspective can be applied when working with clients with disabilities in social work practice. A systems perspective is significant because it helps practitioners gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to a client's current problems. In this approach, the social worker examines the various systems present in the client's life and their role or connection to current challenges. Understanding disability within a systems framework means recognizing that the client's struggles are not solely individual but are shaped by the surrounding social environment. Additionally, the use of a systems perspective helps to identify resources available to the client and clarify his or her interactions with those resources. This information is then used to develop a suitable treatment plan based on available resources and the client's interactions with the multiple systems in his or her life.

References

Plummer, S. B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Working with people with disabilities: The case of Lester. In Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.

Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.