System Theory and Ecological Approach in Social Work Practice: An Actual Case Illustration

The system theory has a significant impact on social workers since the 1970s. It advocates that the whole system, or a family, is made of different individuals. In this regard, the interest of the ‘family’ or the group is greater than the interest of individual members. The system function as each part interacts (communicates) with each other. This article discusses the application of an intervention-based system theory in the practice of social work. Furthermore, it presents a case illustration of an actual case to understand the application of system theory in the practice of social work. The case illustration details the clients’ issues and how the fundamental basic systems in the system theory, specifically, the client system, change agent system, target system and action system could be applied in social work practice. The actual case illustration study has facilitated a system theory analysis of the people, the environments, and changes that are related to the clients’ wellbeing to find the most effective intervention targets and strategies. In this regard, system theories bring the environment back into the concept of people in the environment. It can be concluded that system theory is an important tool to guide professionals across all levels of social work practice