General System Theory The Biological System of the Individual Human Behavior and the Social Environment SSS 571 September 27, 2010 Christine Anlauf Sabatino,

General System Theory General System Theory The Biological System of the IndividualThe Biological System of the Individual

Human Behavior and the Social Human Behavior and the Social Environment SSS 571Environment SSS 571September 27, 2010September 27, 2010

Christine Anlauf Sabatino, Ph D, LICSW, C-SSWChristine Anlauf Sabatino, Ph D, LICSW, C-SSWAssociate ProfessorAssociate Professor

Director, Center for the Advancement of Children, Youth, and Director, Center for the Advancement of Children, Youth, and FamiliesFamilies

National Catholic School of Social ServiceNational Catholic School of Social ServiceThe Catholic University of AmericaThe Catholic University of America

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Introduction:Introduction:Your GoalsYour Goals

• What questions and concerns What questions and concerns do you have about learning do you have about learning General System Theory (GST) General System Theory (GST) and how to apply it to social and how to apply it to social work practice?work practice?

• What would you like to take What would you like to take away from this lecture on GST?away from this lecture on GST?

ReviewReview

• How do we know what we know How do we know what we know about human behavior and the social about human behavior and the social environment theories, perspectives, environment theories, perspectives, and paradigms/models? and paradigms/models? (Four philosophical frameworks)(Four philosophical frameworks)

• What is the “truth” about human What is the “truth” about human behavior and the social environment behavior and the social environment based on theory (abstraction) and based on theory (abstraction) and research/empiricism (observation)?research/empiricism (observation)?(Classical knowledge development) (Classical knowledge development)

Review:Review: Purpose of Theory Purpose of Theory

– To explain behavior and events To explain behavior and events

– To guide change activitiesTo guide change activities

Two types of change – Two types of change – normative & normative & directed interventionsdirected interventions

Purpose of GST Purpose of GST

• According to General Systems Theory, According to General Systems Theory, human behavior/conduct is a explained human behavior/conduct is a explained by ________.by ________.

• According to General Systems Theory,According to General Systems Theory,natural change is brought about by natural change is brought about by _________._________.

• According to General Systems Theory,According to General Systems Theory,guided change is brought about by guided change is brought about by _________._________.

Review: Review: Framework for Leaning TheoryFramework for Leaning Theory

An overview of the theory – the basic An overview of the theory – the basic premise/definitionpremise/definition

Historical context – original theorists & variant formsHistorical context – original theorists & variant formsKey concepts – Key concepts –

explanatory functionsexplanatory functionschange functionschange functions

Contemporary issuesContemporary issuesApplication to social workApplication to social workCritical analysisCritical analysisSummarySummary

Overview:Overview:Systems Defined - Short VersionSystems Defined - Short Version

• A system is a complex whole with a set of A system is a complex whole with a set of

components interacting with each other that components interacting with each other that has a boundary determining what is inside has a boundary determining what is inside the system and what is outside the system the system and what is outside the system

Overview:Overview:

Systems Defined - Long VersionSystems Defined - Long Version

A system is a A system is a • set of components set of components • interacting with each otherinteracting with each other• with a boundary possessing the ability with a boundary possessing the ability • to filter both the kind and rate of to filter both the kind and rate of • inputs and inputs and • outputs outputs • to and from the system. to and from the system.

Overview:Overview:Basic PremiseBasic Premise

A system achieves its goal A system achieves its goal

by taking in by taking in energy/information/inputs/resources, energy/information/inputs/resources,

using or processing these elements, using or processing these elements,

then expelling then expelling energy/information/outputs/productsenergy/information/outputs/products

that are different from the original inputsthat are different from the original inputs

Historical ContextHistorical Context

GST incorporates knowledge and principles GST incorporates knowledge and principles from many disciplines including from many disciplines including

– biology biology – economicseconomics– psychologypsychology– mathematics mathematics – sociologysociology– physicsphysics– engineeringengineering– medicine medicine – social work.social work.


The wide usage of the systems approach since The wide usage of the systems approach since the late nineteenth century by the physical the late nineteenth century by the physical sciences was fostered by the necessity to sciences was fostered by the necessity to overcome the overpowering skepticism that overcome the overpowering skepticism that was occurring with sciences whose was occurring with sciences whose principles were based on the naïve principles were based on the naïve conception of a simple conception of a simple one-way cause-and-one-way cause-and-effecteffect ideas (Turner, p. 602, 1996). ideas (Turner, p. 602, 1996).

Historical Context Historical Context

Prior to general systems theory, there was Prior to general systems theory, there was little examination of the relationship little examination of the relationship between system parts and their effects on between system parts and their effects on one another.one another.


GST developed in part as a response to GST developed in part as a response to psycho dynamic theories which focused psycho dynamic theories which focused exclusively on internal mental processes, exclusively on internal mental processes, without any recognition of the impact of without any recognition of the impact of external forces on internal dynamics and external forces on internal dynamics and social transactions.social transactions.

Major Theorist and Their DisciplinesMajor Theorist and Their Disciplines

• W.R. Ashby, a bacteriologistW.R. Ashby, a bacteriologist• L. Von Bertalanffy, a theoretical L. Von Bertalanffy, a theoretical

biologistbiologist• U. Bronfenbrenner, developmental U. Bronfenbrenner, developmental

psychologist**psychologist**• K. E. Boulding, an economistK. E. Boulding, an economist• K. Lewin, psychologistK. Lewin, psychologist• J. G. Miller, a psychiatrist and J. G. Miller, a psychiatrist and

psychologistpsychologist• A. Rapoport, a mathematicianA. Rapoport, a mathematician


These theorists’ works on cybernetics, These theorists’ works on cybernetics, information theory, game theory, and information theory, game theory, and network theory were applied to the social network theory were applied to the social and behavioral sciences that was looking for and behavioral sciences that was looking for a way to make conceptual connections a way to make conceptual connections between disparate phenomena.between disparate phenomena.

**Urie Bronfenbrenner introduced the term **Urie Bronfenbrenner introduced the term “human ecology” because he thought socio-“human ecology” because he thought socio-cultural phenomena were intrinsic to all cultural phenomena were intrinsic to all

systems.systems.

Major Social Work Theorist Major Social Work Theorist

Gordon Hearn Gordon Hearn

Lead the discussion about GST as a meta-theory and Lead the discussion about GST as a meta-theory and conceptual framework for professional social work.conceptual framework for professional social work.

Carole Germain & Alex Gitterman adapted GST and Carole Germain & Alex Gitterman adapted GST and developed a social work practice model.developed a social work practice model.Germaine, C. & Gitterman, A. (1996). Germaine, C. & Gitterman, A. (1996). The life model of The life model of social work practice: Advances in theory and practice.social work practice: Advances in theory and practice. New York: Columbia Press.New York: Columbia Press.

Ellen Netting adapted GST for development of a macro Ellen Netting adapted GST for development of a macro practice text book.practice text book.

Orren Dale, Rebecca Smith, Julie M. Norling, and Wayne A. Orren Dale, Rebecca Smith, Julie M. Norling, and Wayne A. Chess adopted GST as the framework for their HBSE Chess adopted GST as the framework for their HBSE textbook.textbook.

Variant Forms or Adaptations of GST:Variant Forms or Adaptations of GST:Hutchinson readingHutchinson reading

The biological person The biological person • Nervous systemNervous system• Endocrine systemEndocrine system• Immune systemImmune system• Cardiovascular systemCardiovascular system• Musculoskeletal systemMusculoskeletal system• Reproductive systemReproductive system

The biological person The biological person

The presentation for each of these systems has The presentation for each of these systems has included detailed information about illness included detailed information about illness and disease processes. and disease processes.

What it does not present is a detailed What it does not present is a detailed discussion of the pharmacology associated discussion of the pharmacology associated with the prevention and treatment of with the prevention and treatment of various illnesses. Discuss this issue with various illnesses. Discuss this issue with your field instructor.your field instructor.


These interior biological systems are influenced These interior biological systems are influenced by social, political, cultural, and economic by social, political, cultural, and economic environmental systems.environmental systems.


We are obligated to rule out a physiologically-We are obligated to rule out a physiologically-based reason for the current psychosocial based reason for the current psychosocial challenge/issue/need/problem. challenge/issue/need/problem.

Each agency setting attends to specific facets Each agency setting attends to specific facets of the biological system for their client of the biological system for their client population and service delivery system.population and service delivery system.

Variant Forms or Adaptations of GST:Variant Forms or Adaptations of GST:Robbins readingRobbins reading

The individual systemThe individual system• Biological systemBiological system• Emotional systemEmotional system• Cognitive systemCognitive system• Spiritual systemSpiritual system

Structural FunctionalismStructural Functionalism: a sociological : a sociological paradigm developed by Talcott Parsons that paradigm developed by Talcott Parsons that examined “how social systems survive and examined “how social systems survive and why institutionalized patterns of interaction why institutionalized patterns of interaction persist” (Robbins, p. 29). persist” (Robbins, p. 29).

The structure of a system determines its The structure of a system determines its function; hence the structural definition of a function; hence the structural definition of a system takes primacy over the functional system takes primacy over the functional definition. Without structure, function is definition. Without structure, function is impossible. impossible.

Ecological PerspectiveEcological Perspective: an approach to human : an approach to human behavior which examines the progressive, behavior which examines the progressive, mutual accommodation throughout the course of mutual accommodation throughout the course of life between an active, growing human being and life between an active, growing human being and his or her environment (Uri Bronfenbrenner).his or her environment (Uri Bronfenbrenner).

A multidisciplinary approach adapted to social work A multidisciplinary approach adapted to social work practice in the form of the “Life Model” wherein practice in the form of the “Life Model” wherein the overarching focus is on the transactions the overarching focus is on the transactions between people and their environments. Major between people and their environments. Major concepts include stress, adaptation, goodness-concepts include stress, adaptation, goodness-of-fit, habitat, niche, mutuality, and transaction.of-fit, habitat, niche, mutuality, and transaction.

Deep EcologyDeep Ecology: posits that there is an : posits that there is an interdependency between human beings interdependency between human beings and total planetary ecology, that there is and total planetary ecology, that there is intrinsic value in all life, and that diversity, intrinsic value in all life, and that diversity, interdependency, and complexity reflect the interdependency, and complexity reflect the nature of life. (Robbins, p. 46 - 47).nature of life. (Robbins, p. 46 - 47).

Eco-feminismEco-feminism: challenges hierarchy and : challenges hierarchy and oppressive power structures and highlights oppressive power structures and highlights the importance of interconnectedness, the importance of interconnectedness, relatedness, and wholeness within, among, relatedness, and wholeness within, among, and between humans and nature (Robbins, and between humans and nature (Robbins, p. 48).p. 48).


Some therapist have applied GST concepts to Some therapist have applied GST concepts to their work with families, leading to various their work with families, leading to various forms of family system therapy.forms of family system therapy.

• Murray Bowen “family psychiatry” Murray Bowen “family psychiatry”

(schizophrenia)(schizophrenia)• Salvador Minuchin “structural family theory”Salvador Minuchin “structural family theory”

(disorganized, lower socio-economic families)(disorganized, lower socio-economic families)• Jay Haley “strategic family theory” Jay Haley “strategic family theory”

(focus is on communication patterns, rules, (focus is on communication patterns, rules, and distribution of power)and distribution of power)

Dynamic Systems Theory: Dynamic Systems Theory: Robbins readingRobbins reading

Explanatory StatementExplanatory Statement

How GST Describe HBSEHow GST Describe HBSE

Human, institutional, and community Human, institutional, and community conduct is a function of the actions and conduct is a function of the actions and activities designed to achieve a specific activities designed to achieve a specific goalgoal..


Key conceptsKey concepts

• Focal system: The unit of attention or Focal system: The unit of attention or analysisanalysis

• Supra system: The environment of the Supra system: The environment of the focal system; absorbs the system’s outputsfocal system; absorbs the system’s outputs

• Subsystem: The units within the systemSubsystem: The units within the system

Holon: Holon:

a focal system that is simultaneously – a focal system that is simultaneously –

a whole with it own distinctive qualities;a whole with it own distinctive qualities;

a part of larger systems, and ; a part of larger systems, and ;

a container of subsystems.a container of subsystems.


Boundary:Boundary:

• the region separating one system for anotherthe region separating one system for another

• defines what is inside or outside the systemdefines what is inside or outside the system

• regulates the flow of energy/information regulates the flow of energy/information (inputs) entering and leaving the system (inputs) entering and leaving the system (outputs)(outputs)

• transfers energy/information from focal transfers energy/information from focal system to supra- or sub-systemssystem to supra- or sub-systems

• needs to be semi-permeableneeds to be semi-permeable

Types of boundariesTypes of boundaries

Enmeshed boundaries: too permeable Enmeshed boundaries: too permeable

Disengaged boundaries: too rigidDisengaged boundaries: too rigid

• Inputs: Energy/information/resources Inputs: Energy/information/resources introduced and absorbed by the systemintroduced and absorbed by the system

• Throughputs: The transformation of Throughputs: The transformation of energy/information/resources to be used energy/information/resources to be used by the focal system to achieve its goalby the focal system to achieve its goal

• Outputs: Energy/information/products Outputs: Energy/information/products discharged from the systemdischarged from the system

Open system: Open system: • A system that accepts and responds to A system that accepts and responds to

inputs; inputs;

• receives and exchanges receives and exchanges energy/information/resources from outside energy/information/resources from outside the system; the system;

• characterized by an active exchange with characterized by an active exchange with the environment; the environment;

• greater ability to adapt; greater ability to adapt;

• more goal orientedmore goal oriented

Closed system: Closed system:

• A system that has limited transactions A system that has limited transactions with supra-systems or sub-systemswith supra-systems or sub-systems

• does not accept and respond to inputsdoes not accept and respond to inputs

• fails to receive and exchange fails to receive and exchange energy/information/resources energy/information/resources from outside the systemfrom outside the system

• characterized by very little active characterized by very little active

exchange exchange with the environmentwith the environment

• less able to adaptless able to adapt

• less goal orientedless goal oriented

Feedback: Feedback:

• monitoring efforts to reach the system’s monitoring efforts to reach the system’s goal; goal;

• transmission of information transmission of information about actions the system has performed; about actions the system has performed;

• assessment of system output that is assessment of system output that is used as input for subsequent action used as input for subsequent action

Two types of feedbackTwo types of feedback

Positive feedback: Positive feedback: • accelerate actionsaccelerate actions• feedback loop signals the system is feedback loop signals the system is

to open and allow more inputsto open and allow more inputs

Negative feedback: Negative feedback: • decelerate actionsdecelerate actions• feedback loop signals the system is to feedback loop signals the system is to

close and to cut off or reduce inputs.close and to cut off or reduce inputs.

• Adaptation: the ability of a system to Adaptation: the ability of a system to discriminate and act effectively on their discriminate and act effectively on their environmentenvironment

• Adaptive systems are more complex Adaptive systems are more complex because they have a greater capacity to because they have a greater capacity to grow and develop their arrangements.grow and develop their arrangements.

Entropy: Entropy:

• when a system moves toward when a system moves toward disorganization or becomes stagnant and disorganization or becomes stagnant and chaotic chaotic

• energy is not exchanged with the energy is not exchanged with the environment and the system becomes environment and the system becomes ‘run down.’‘run down.’

• Dynamic system: one that finds a new Dynamic system: one that finds a new and different balance after a disturbanceand different balance after a disturbance

• Static system: A system that returns to Static system: A system that returns to the same fixed point or position after a the same fixed point or position after a disturbancedisturbance

Change: Change: Without Social Work InterventionWithout Social Work Intervention

Normative Change:Normative Change:

Feedback loops serve Feedback loops serve to support current course of action or to support current course of action or indicate a new course of action is indicate a new course of action is necessary necessary to achieve the system goal.to achieve the system goal.

Change:Change:With Social Work InterventionWith Social Work Intervention

Prepare for planned change or Prepare for planned change or interventions after a thorough interventions after a thorough assessmentassessment

General Systems Theory: General Systems Theory: AssessmentAssessment

• What is the goal?What is the goal?

• Has the goal been clearly defined?Has the goal been clearly defined?

• Is it realistic and applicable to the Is it realistic and applicable to the system?system?

General Systems Theory: General Systems Theory: AssessmentAssessment

Review the key concepts to determine Review the key concepts to determine which one helps to explain the system’s which one helps to explain the system’s problem:problem:

• Correct focal system?Correct focal system?• Boundary issues?Boundary issues?• Closed system?Closed system?• Input/throughput/output used?Input/throughput/output used?• Feedback issues?Feedback issues?• Adaptation issues?Adaptation issues?• Inability to maintain homeostasis or Inability to maintain homeostasis or

equilibrium?equilibrium?• In a state of entropy?In a state of entropy?

Planned Change or Social Work Planned Change or Social Work InterventionIntervention

Create system change through specific Create system change through specific techniquestechniques

• Analyze the viability of the system goalAnalyze the viability of the system goal• Delineate the focal systemDelineate the focal system• Realign subsystemsRealign subsystems• Alter boundariesAlter boundaries• Provide new Provide new

input/resources/information/productsinput/resources/information/products• Assist system to process throughputs Assist system to process throughputs

differentlydifferently• Evaluate success of outputs/feedback in Evaluate success of outputs/feedback in

relation to goal relation to goal • Support adaptation, homeostasis, Support adaptation, homeostasis,

equilibriumequilibrium• Guard against entropyGuard against entropy

Planned Change or Social Work Planned Change or Social Work InterventionIntervention

Determine which actions Determine which actions will bring about the greatest movement will bring about the greatest movement toward the goal toward the goal (maximum point of reverberation)(maximum point of reverberation)

Strengths of the GSTStrengths of the GST

Moves from a linear cause and effect Moves from a linear cause and effect analysis of analysis of issues/concerns/challenges/problems to a issues/concerns/challenges/problems to a reflection on the multiple dynamic reflection on the multiple dynamic transactions between persons and their transactions between persons and their environmentsenvironments

Recognizes the value of the formal and Recognizes the value of the formal and informal social contexts (supra systems) informal social contexts (supra systems)

Does not pathologize situationsDoes not pathologize situations

Weaknesses of the GSTWeaknesses of the GST

Concepts are specific but the application of Concepts are specific but the application of the concepts is inferred and very the concepts is inferred and very abstractabstract

One may question the underlying One may question the underlying assumption that change in one part of assumption that change in one part of the system will bring about change in the system will bring about change in another part of the system. Resistance to another part of the system. Resistance to change is a powerful force in the systemchange is a powerful force in the system

Can be used to deny individual Can be used to deny individual responsibility responsibility

Critically Reflective Analysis Critically Reflective Analysis Framework: Robbins, Chatterjee & Framework: Robbins, Chatterjee &

Canda Canda

Q. What specific aspect of human Q. What specific aspect of human development and human relations does development and human relations does the theory address and emphasize? the theory address and emphasize? Which dimensions are addressed and Which dimensions are addressed and which dimensions are omitted?which dimensions are omitted?

A. All aspects and all dimensions are A. All aspects and all dimensions are included in GSTincluded in GST


Canda Canda

Q. What is the theory’s relevance to Q. What is the theory’s relevance to individuals, families, groups, individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions, and organizations, institutions, and communities? Where on the micro-communities? Where on the micro-macro continuum is the theory most macro continuum is the theory most relevant?relevant?

A. GST may applied to all units of attention A. GST may applied to all units of attention along the micro/mezzo/macro along the micro/mezzo/macro continuum of abstractioncontinuum of abstraction


Canda Canda

Q. How consistent is the theory with social work Q. How consistent is the theory with social work values and ethics? values and ethics?

A.A. Because all variables are considered Because all variables are considered relevant in GST theory, it is able to relevant in GST theory, it is able to incorporate issues related to race, gender, incorporate issues related to race, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, ability, culture, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and social class?and social class?

The problem is that one has to take the The problem is that one has to take the concept and infer/link/apply it to the specific concept and infer/link/apply it to the specific concrete issue/challenge/need/problem concrete issue/challenge/need/problem under discussion under discussion

Robbins, Chatterjee & Canda Critical Robbins, Chatterjee & Canda Critical Analysis Framework Analysis Framework

Q.Q. What does the theory say about human What does the theory say about human nature?nature?

R.R. The theory is very hopeful and The theory is very hopeful and optimistic. Despite its beginning in the optimistic. Despite its beginning in the hard sciences, change is seen as hard sciences, change is seen as inevitable and constant, and it can take inevitable and constant, and it can take place through multiple processes.place through multiple processes.


Q. What is the empirical evidence to Q. What is the empirical evidence to support GST? support GST?

A. The empirical base is limited but it is A. The empirical base is limited but it is developing.developing.


Q. On what grounds does the theory base Q. On what grounds does the theory base its appeal? its appeal?

A. It is a dynamic theory that is A. It is a dynamic theory that is applicable to multiple populations, applicable to multiple populations, problems, and settings across the problems, and settings across the micro-mezzo-macro continuum micro-mezzo-macro continuum

Bibliography: Bibliography: Classical LiteratureClassical Literature

• Berrien, K.F. (1968). Berrien, K.F. (1968). General systems theoryGeneral systems theory. . New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

• Bronnfenbrenner, U. (1979). Bronnfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature human development: Experiments by nature and designand design. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.Press.

• Von Bertalanffy, L. (1968) Von Bertalanffy, L. (1968) General Systems General Systems Theory: foundations, Development, Theory: foundations, Development, ApplicationsApplications. New York: George Braziller.. New York: George Braziller.

Bibliography: Bibliography:

Contemporary LiteratureContemporary Literature

Bolland, K., & Atherton, D. (1999). Chaos theory: An Bolland, K., & Atherton, D. (1999). Chaos theory: An alternative approach to social work practice and alternative approach to social work practice and research. research. Families in Society: The Journal of Families in Society: The Journal of contemporary Human Services, 80contemporary Human Services, 80(4), 376-373.(4), 376-373.

Bronfenbrenner, U. (1989). Ecological system theory. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1989). Ecological system theory. Annals of Child DevelopmentAnnals of Child Development, , 66, 187-, 187- 249.249.

Dale, O., Smith, R., Norlin, J.M., & Chess, W. (2006) Dale, O., Smith, R., Norlin, J.M., & Chess, W. (2006) Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Social Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Social Systems Theory Systems Theory (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.Bacon.

Friedman, B. (1997). System theory. In J. Brandell, Friedman, B. (1997). System theory. In J. Brandell, Theory and Practice in Clinical Social WorkTheory and Practice in Clinical Social Work (pp.3-17). New York: Free Press, Simon & Schuster, (pp.3-17). New York: Free Press, Simon & Schuster, Inc.Inc.

Forder, A. (1976). Social work and systems theory. Forder, A. (1976). Social work and systems theory. British Journal of Social WorkBritish Journal of Social Work, , 66 (1) 23-41. (1) 23-41.

Germaine. C. & Gitterman, A. (1996) Germaine. C. & Gitterman, A. (1996) The Life Model The Life Model of social work practice: Advances in theory and of social work practice: Advances in theory and practice.practice. New York: Columbia University Press. New York: Columbia University Press.

Halmi, A. (2007). Chaos and non-linear dynamics. Halmi, A. (2007). Chaos and non-linear dynamics. International Social Work, 46International Social Work, 46(1), 83-101.(1), 83-101.

Hudson, C. (2000). At the edge of chaos: A new Hudson, C. (2000). At the edge of chaos: A new paradigm for social work? paradigm for social work? Journal of Social Journal of Social Work Education, 36Work Education, 36(2), 215-230.(2), 215-230.

Netting, E. F., Kettner, P.M., & McMurty, S. Netting, E. F., Kettner, P.M., & McMurty, S. (2007). Macro (2007). Macro Social Work Practice Social Work Practice (4(4thth ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Warren, L., & Streeter, C. (1998). New directions in Warren, L., & Streeter, C. (1998). New directions in systems theory: Chaos and complexity. systems theory: Chaos and complexity. Social Social Work, 43Work, 43(4), 357-372.(4), 357-372.

Documents

General System Theory The Biological System of the Individual Human Behavior and the Social Environment SSS 571 September 27, 2010 Christine Anlauf Sabatino,