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.
Summary
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 Prov
Table of Contents
Preface
Pt. 1 Overview 1
Ch. 1 Introduction 3
Ch. 2 A Social Systems Perspective: The Foundations for Social Systems Theory 25
Ch. 3 Social Systems Theory: General Features 53
Pt. 2 The Individual 85
Ch. 4 The Individual: Theories of Psychology Used by Social Workers 87
Ch. 5 Psychosocial Theory: A Social Systems Perspective 130
Pt. 3 The Social Group 159
Ch. 6 The Social Group: An Introduction 161
Ch. 7 The Social Group: Theoretical Support 180
Ch. 8 The Family as a System of Roles 213
Ch. 9 The Social Group and Family: Social Systems Theory 240
Pt. 4 The Formal Organization 273
Ch. 10 The Formal Organization: An Introduction 275
Ch. 11 The Formal Organization: Social Systems Theory 294
Ch. 12 The Formal Organization as a Social System 319
Pt. 5 The Community 361
Ch. 13 The Community: An Introduction 363
Ch. 14 The Community: Social Systems Theory 390
Ch. 15 Social Stratification and Diversity 419
Index 441Preface
Pt. 1 Overview 1
Ch. 1 Introduction 3
Ch. 2 A Social Systems Perspective: The Foundations for Social Systems Theory 25
Ch. 3 Social Systems Theory: General Features 53
Pt. 2 The Individual 85
Ch. 4 The Individual: Theories of Psychology Used by Social Workers 87
Ch. 5 Psychosocial Theory: A Social Systems Perspective 130
Pt. 3 The Social Group 159
Ch. 6 The Social Group: An Introduction 161
Ch. 7 The Social Group: Theoretical Support 180
Ch. 8 The Family as a System of Roles 213
Ch. 9 The Social Group and Family: Social Systems Theory 240
Pt. 4 The Formal Organization 273
Ch. 10 The Formal Organization: An Introduction 275
Ch. 11 The Formal Organization: Social Systems Theory 294
Ch. 12 The Formal Organization as a Social System 319
Pt. 5 The Community 361
Ch. 13 The Community: An Introduction 363
Ch. 14 The Community: Social Systems Theory 390
Ch. 15 Social Stratification and Diversity 419
Index 441
