Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Description

Presents major theories for systems addressed in generalist practice

 

This text is part of the Connecting Core Competencies Series.

 

Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Social Systems Theory provides an expanded treatment of systems theory, and applies the theory to common social work concerns. The text links systems to social roles, and provides a framework for critical assessment of the theories from the systems/roles perspective. It assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each theory with regard to the value of each theory for social work practice.

 

Social systems theory remains the focus of this text.  In addition theories are identified as grand theories, middle range theories, or focal theories, to assist the student in understanding the scope and application of theories across system sizes.  This text breaks new ground in using role theory as a middle range theory to address common features of human systems at a level that is more intuitive for students, and yet detailed enough to stimulate independent thinking. The text addresses the standard repertoire of theories, and in addition presents application of the theories to social issues such as violence and addiction.

 

A better teaching and learning experience

This program will provide a better teaching and learning experience–for you and your students. Here’s how:

• Personalize Learning – MySearchLab with eText delivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals.
• Improve Critical Thinking – Links systems processes and concepts to role theory as a middle range perspective.
• Engage Students – Relates social systems concepts to the contexts of generalist social work practice
• Explore Current Issues – Provides an integrative perspective for the diverse theories used by social workers
• Apply CSWE Core Competencies – The text integrates the 2008 CSWE EPAS, with critical thinking questions and practice tests to assess student understanding and development of competency.
• Support Instructors – An Instructor’s Manual and Test Bank, Computerized Test Bank (MyTest), BlackBoard Test Item File, MySearchLab with eText, and PowerPoint presentations are included in the outstanding supplements package.

Note: MySearchLab with eText does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase MySearchLab with eText, please visit: www.mysearchlab.com or you can purchase a valuepack of the text + MySearchLab (at no additional cost): ValuePack ISBN-10: 0205037054 / ValuePack ISBN-13: 9780205037056

 

 

PRESENTS MAJOR THEORIES FOR SYSTEMS ADDRESSED IN GENERALIST PRACTICE

• The basic terms and concepts of social systems theory are defined in an expanded format. (ex. p. 128)
• The systems features of each theory are discussed at the level of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. (ex. p. 242)

IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING

• The role of theory in assessment and problem solving is emphasized. (ex. p. 354)
• A common language for analyzing theories is provided. (ex. p. 16)
• Examples from practice that illustrate theory are included.  (ex. p. 108)

ENGAGE STUDENTS

• Theories used for social work practice are presented with practice examples. (ex. p. 115)
• The language of role theory is used to clarify the relationship between theories. (ex. p. 9)
• Using theory for both assessment and intervention planning is stressed. (ex. p. 358)
• The 2008 CSWE EPAS are integrated, with critical thinking questions and practice tests to assess student understanding of chapter content and development of competence. (ex. p. 260)

EXPLORE CURRENT ISSUES

• The theoretical background for current practice with addictions and violence is presented. (ex. p. 338)
• The concept of social capital in current practice is explored. (ex. p. 401)

APPLY CSWE CORE COMPETENCIES

• The text explains why the core competencies are important.
• A complete CSWE EPAS grid describing each of the 10 core competencies and practice behavior examples is included.
• Chapter-specific practice behavior coverage is inlcuded in the text.
• Complete core competency coverage by chapter is included in the text.
• Grids highlighting the core competencies addressed throughout the chapter are included.
• Competency-based critical thinking questions tie to both competency application and chapter content.
• The text features ties to videos, cases, and assessment, including core competency based videos and assessment in MySearchLab.

SUPPORT INSTRUCTORS

• The outstanding supplements package supports a wide range of instructional settings including small discussion groups, large lecture halls, and online or Web-based courses.

• Create a Custom Text: For enrollments of at least 25, create your own textbook by combining chapters from best-selling Pearson textbooks and/or reading selections in the sequence you want.  To begin building your custom text, visit www.pearsoncustomlibrary.com. You may also work with a dedicated Pearson Custom editor to create your ideal text–publishing your own original content or mixing and matching Pearson content. Contact your Pearson Publisher’s Representative to get started.

In this section:

1. Overview of changes

2. Chapter-by-chapter changes

 

1. Overview of Changes

 

IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING

• Emphasizes the role of theory in assessment and problem solving  (ex. p. 354)
• Provides a common language for analyzing theories  (ex. p. 16)
• Provides examples from practice that illustrate theory (ex. p. 108)

ENGAGE STUDENTS

• Theories used for social work practice are presented with practice examples  (ex. p. 115)
• The language of role theory is used to clarify the relationship between theories (ex. p. 9)
• Using theory for both assessment and intervention planning is stressed (ex. p. 358)
• Integrates the 2008 CSWE EPAS, with critical thinking questions and practice tests to assess student understanding of chapter content and development of competence. (ex. p. 260)

APPLY CSWE CORE COMPETENCIES

• Explains why the core competencies are important
• Includes a complete CSWE EPAS grid describing each of the 10 core competencies and practice behavior examples
• Includes chapter-specific practice behavior coverage in the text
• Includes complete core competency coverage by chapter in the text
• Chapter opening grid highlighting the core competencies addressed throughout the chapter
• Competency-based critical thinking questions tie to both competency application and chapter content
• Ties to videos, cases, and assessment, including core competency based videos and assessment in MySearchLab

SUPPORT INSTRUCTORS

• Strong Supplements Package: Instructor’s Manual and Test Bank, Computerized Test Bank (MyTest), Blackboard Test Item File, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Create a Custom Text: For enrollments of at least 25, create your own textbook by combining chapters from best-selling Pearson textbooks and/or reading selections in the sequence you want.  To begin building your custom text, visit www.pearsoncustomlibrary.com. You may also work with a dedicated Pearson Custom editor to create your ideal text–publishing your own original content or mixing and matching Pearson content. Contact your Pearson Publisher’s Representative to get started.

 

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2. Chapter-by-chapter changes

 

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Explores the range and variety of theories utilized in social work
• Presents grand, middle, and focal theories as maps that guide practice

Chapter 2: Foundations of Social Systems Theory

• Components of general systems theory, systems theory, ecological theory, and person-in-environment are compared and contrasted
• Role theory and symbolic interaction provide a context for discussing normal behavior

Chapter 3: Social Systems and Social Work

• A new model of a Social Systems Cycle is presented
• The Syntropic Phase, The Mature Phase, the Entropic Phase, and Regeneration are applied to social systems of different sizes

Chapter 4: Social Systems and Social Roles

• Role theory brings the abstract concepts of social systems theory one step closer to the practical demands of social workers
• Common role problems and problem solving strategies are discussed

Chapter 5: Psychodynamic Theories

• The theories of analytic psychology, individual psychology, childhood attachment , and object relations have been added to this chapter
• The tie between psychoanalytic theory and social systems theory is discussed as being both indirect and historical

Chapter 6:  Psychosocial Theory

• In addition to a discussion of each stage of the theory, developmental activities are also presented
• The Jones family is used to illustrate each of the developmental stages

Chapter 7:  Behavioral Learning Theories

• The cognitive behavioral theory discussion has been expanded
• The processes identified by Ellis, Beck and Seligman give promise of better models for understanding the person as a complex system in a shifting environment

Chapter 8: Cognitive and Humanistic Theories

• Person-centered theory has been added to this chapter
• An explanation is provided on how each of the theories in the chapter contributes to the social systems perspective

Chapter 9: Family Theories

• The focus is on the development of family theory that employs the system paradigm
• The family is characterized in each of the theories presented as a system of social roles

Chapter 10:  Group Theories

• Role theory in groups has been added to this chapter
• The utilization of leadership theories in group work is discussed

Chapter 11: Organizational Theories

• Formal organizations are presented as both a special type of group, and as a social system
• The processes by which formal organizations emerge as goal directed social systems are explained

Chapter 12:  Community Theories

• Two types of communities are discussed : geographic communities and communities of interest
• These two systems are compared using examples of rural communities and the AIDS interest community

Chapter 13:   Theories Applied to Addiction

• This is a new chapter addressing a social phenomenon that cuts across all system levels
• Varied models of addiction and drug use and their underlying theories are presented

Chapter 14:  Theories Applied to Violence

• This is a new chapter which presents a brief synopsis of some major approaches to interpersonal violence
• As a system factor, violence is a destabilizing force in system functioning

Chapter 15:  Theories on Social Systems, Social Capital, and Diversity

• Cultural diversity is discussed from a social systems perspective
• The theory of social capital is still in a developing stage, but it points us toward new realms and methods of social work practice

In this Section:

1) Brief Table of Contents

2) Full Table of Contents

 

 

1) Brief Table of Contents  

 

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Foundations for Social Systems Theory

Chapter 3: Social Systems and Social Work

Chapter 4: Social Systems and Social Roles

Chapter 5: Psychodynamic Theories

Chapter 6: Psychosocial Theory

Chapter 7: Behavioral Learning Theories

Chapter 8: Cognitive and Humanistic Theories

Chapter 9: Family Theories

Chapter 10: Group Theories

Chapter 11: Organizational Theories

Chapter 12: Community Theories

Chapter 13: Theories Applied to Addiction

Chapter 14: Theories Applied to Violence

Chapter 15: Theories Applied to Populations at Risk

 

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2) Full Table of Contents

 

Chapter 1: Introduction

Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice

CSWE Core Competencies

Generalist Practice

Theory and Practice in Social Work: Connecting the Dots

Theoretical Range

Theories as Maps: Grand, Middle Range, and Focal Theories

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 2: The Foundations for Social Systems Theory

The Nature of Theory

Social Systems Perspective

General Systems Theory

Ecological Theory

Generalist Social Work Practice and P.I.E.

Functional Theory

Symbolic Interactionism and Role Theory

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

Chapter 3: Social Systems and Social Work

Social Systems in Generalist Practice

Development of Social Systems

Social Systems Cycle

Social Systems Features

Definitions of Social System Elements

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 4: Social Systems and Social Roles

Systems Thinking, Role Theory and Generalist Practice

Major Role Concepts

Roles as Social Structures

Role Dynamics

Common Role Problems

Role Problem Resolution Strategies

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 5:  Psychodynamic Theories

Individual Theory: The First Wave

Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic Theory

Theoretical Base of Analytical Psychology

Theoretical Base of Individual Psychology

Childhood Attachment Theory

Object Relations Theory

Neurosis and Striving

The Sane Society

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 6:  Psychosocial Theory: A Social Systems Perspective

Psychosocial

Focus

Assumptions

Concepts

The Biological Connection

Infancy

Post Infancy

Preschool

School

Adolescence

Early Adulthood

Middle Adulthood

Late Adulthood

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 7:  Behavioral Learning Theories

Behavioral Learning Theory

Focus

Assumptions

Concepts

Social Learning Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 8:  Cognitive and Humanistic Theories

Third Wave: Cognitive and Humanistic Theories

Cognitive Development Theory

Moral Development Theory

Humanistic Theory

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 9:  Family Theories

Families as Emergent Structures

Structural Family Theory

Family Systems Theory

Societal Emotional Process

Communications / Interactive Theory

Family Homeostasis

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 10:  Group Theories

Social Groups

Collections, Categories, and the Social Group

Collections of People

Primary and Secondary Groups

Natural and Rational Will

Formed vs Natural Groups

Task vs Treatment Groups

Field Theory

Exchange Theory

Psychoanalytic Tavistock Groups

Behavioral Group Theory

Role Theroy in Groups

Dimensions of Group Process

In-Groups And Out-Groups: Boundaries and Identity Stages of Group Development

Group Therapeutic Factors

Group Leadership

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 11:  Organizational Theories

Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft

Organizational Theory and Practice

Authority

The Weberian Bureaucracy—The Rationalist Position

Rationalist Position and Social Systems Theory

The Human Relations Position

Human Relations Position and Social Systems Theory

The Dialectic

Social Systems Theory: Emergence

Social Systems Theory: Definitions for Organizations

Social Systems Theory: Stages of Formal Organizations

Social Systems Theory: Total Quality Management

Theories X, Y, And Z

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 12:  Community Theories

The Community: Traditonal Definitons

The Evolving Community

Traditional Geographic Community Theory

The Ecological Position: Human Ecology

Community Theorists

The Community Power Position

The Conflict Position

The Community System Cycle

Communities of Interest

Stagnation and Emergence in Communities: Two Illustrations

Rural Communities as Stagnant Systems

Aids: A Community Of Interest      

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 13:  Theories Applied to Addiction

Defining Addiction

Measuring Addiction

Toward a Theory of Addiction

The Natural Mind

The Psychiatric Model

Existing Theories: A Sampler

Assessing Addiction Theory and Treatment

Effects of Interventions

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 14:  Theories Applied to Violence

Violence in Social Systems Perspective

Ethology and Violence

Flight, Fight, or Freeze

The Death Drive

Violence as Social Deviance

Violence as Crime

Operant Learning

Exchange Theory

Social Learning

Domestic Violence

Bullying

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

Chapter 15  Theories on Social Systems, Social Capital, and Diversity

Introduction

Cultural Diversity

Social Systems Theory

Social Capital

Conflict And Consensus

Conflict, Religion, and Diversity

Ethics and Cultural Diversity

Summary

Practice Test

MySearchLab Connections

 

References

Index

Orren Dale, PhD, received his MSSW from the University of Missouri, and his doctorate in Social Work Administration from Tulane University. He is currently licensed in clinical social work in both Texas and Oklahoma. Dale has extensive experience in social work education (teaching, administration, and field practicum) and accreditation at the undergraduate and graduate level. He currently teaches undergraduate and graduate human behavior and practice classes.  His areas of expertise include workplace violence, addictions, human sexuality, and human behavior.

Rebecca Smith, PhD, received her MSSW and PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington.  She is currently licensed in Texas.  She has extensive experience in social policy, social work administration and CSWE accreditation.  She teaches across the curriculum in both the undergraduate and graduate programs.  Her areas of expertise include social work education, social group work, Title IV-E, and human behavior.