Resolving Social Issues for Example Family - Term Paper Example

Case Study Name Institution Abstract The case study intends to examine the theoretical approach towards resolving social issues. Thus, it examines these theories with respect to an example of a family issue that demands attention. The three casework theories discusses in the case study include the systems theory, transpersonal theory and the psychosocial development theory (Healy, 2014). The theoretical approaches are examined with respect to the strengths and weaknesses attributed to them in assessing the cause of such cases. Ultimately, the possible causes of the family problem under consideration are derived from the examined causes of the family wrangles at Sarah’s family. Sarah is the client in need of professional social assistance in the case study. The case study plays a detrimental role in determining a feasible and practical way of resolving social issues via the social work agencies. Introduction The social world is gradually getting affected by emergent trends in life. There are different units of society or community. It is the adverse intention of nature to ensure that there is stability in each of these units. Perfect examples of these units include the school, business and family institutions. Understanding these units means that one develops intensive and well-thought strategies that foster sobriety in them (Hepworth et.al, 2009). Each of these units has a framework within which it operates. From a professional point of understanding, these frameworks generate sociological or communal reality. Precisely, social interaction is a sociologically analysed phenomenon with some crucial intentions with regards to the members and institutions of the society. That implies that the phenomenon exemplifies some level of distinction from the biological reality or individual cognitive reality in a bid to represent the phenomenological level established via social interaction, hence transcending individual motives and actions (Early & GlenMaye, 2000).. As a social and community welfare worker, there are some detrimental issues are presented in need for long-lasting solutions. Different characters emerge with different pressing issues. The purpose of such an agency and service is to ensure that the social issues are analysed and resolved accordingly. Most importantly, the designated product of human dialogue termed as a social reality is considered to consist of accepted social tenets of a community (Hepworth et.al, 2009). That incorporates the installation of some relatively stable laws, as well as, social representations. Arguably, it is definite to describe social reality as a product of uniformity amongst the observers. The case study intends to outline the developed scholar and professional approaches being used to resolve social or community issues. Precisely, the case study intends to address and assess some of the applicable theories that can be applied to understand and help develop a solution to certain social issues. In this case, the case study is affiliated with a family issues reported to the community health agency. It includes three casework theories that could contribute to establishing an analysis of the cause of the family’s situation. It will, therefore, assess the strengths and weaknesses of these casework theories with regards to the social issue at hand. Synopsis of the social issues facing the family The complainant, in this case, is Sarah, a mother and wife in the family. She lays a series of issues she is facing with her family. First, she is distressed because of the wrangles she is having with her husband after she stayed out until late in the night. She is said to be a victim of a series of domestic violence. Further, she complains of her children’s series of misconducts in school, something that has resulted in her being summoned by the principal of the school. There are some mere assumptions that Sarah postulates could have caused the behaviour of her husband. First, the issue of running out of funds after the current job is over is what makes the husband distressed. From a professional point of understanding, the issues facing Sarah and her family are easily analysed through casework theories. That includes determining the cause of these social issues, the context of these social issues and the feasible channels to understand the same issues. Theoretical approach towards analysing the issues facing the family Theorists and researchers that have a history of giving attention to family therapy are said to have understood that human self is a relational and communicational being (Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002). That means that human beings are embedded in a concise relational network. The first relational network loop is established in the institution of a family. That implies that the concept of human self that is embedded in the relational self is designed to serve as a guiding paradigm for family therapy (Gladding, 2002). That means that casework theories could serve a detrimental role in determining particular causes and effects of the social-family problem (Family Systems Therapy, 2015). Accordingly, it is an essential channel to use in determining the actual elements that maybe result in the problems that Sarah and her family are facing. Arguably, the most prudent conclusion that any professional therapist in family issues could make is that the source of any human emotional suffering is a symptom of disordered family communication and relationships (Early & GlenMaye, 2000). The case intends to utilise three socially informed theories that could serve the purpose of understanding the issues facing Sarah’s family. These theories include the systems theory, transpersonal theory and the psychosocial development theory (Healy, 2014). Application of the systems theory The systems theory is stringent in using some complex systems to explore the behaviour patterns and human experience (Healy, 2014). Precisely, the theory focuses on the idea that an effective system is entirely based on the individual needs, expectations, rewards, and the attributes of the people coexisting in the system. That includes a complex system such as the family. The theory depicts that systems such as families, the couples and other members of these social institutions have an immediate involvement in the process of resolving any emergent problems (Healy, 2014). That includes scenarios where the problem could be an individual issue. The diagram above shows an eco-diagram of the family unit. It is structured around the idea of systems theory where there are many sub-systems form one entire system. The family unit is a complete system. However, its functionality is influenced by the larger society. However, it also influences how each member of the family relates to the larger society. These attributes can be demonstrated by the principles of the theory and the practical application in Sarah’s family. Principles of systems theory There are some basic principles that create relevance in the systems theory, especially in a family therapy scenario. First, the parts of a system are interrelated. Also, it is detrimental to note that there are permeable boundaries between every member of the systems. Thirdly, there is relative openness in the systems under consideration. Fourth, there is the principle of synergy (Family Systems Therapy 2015). That means that there is essentiality, and strength in the whole system than there is in some parts. It is feasible for the system to function well if it considers or incorporates every part of it. Finally, it considers the concept of equifinality versus one best way (Healy, 2014). That means that one end or solution can be reached by different potential approaches or means. These principles apply in the process of seeking solutions to certain social issues. From a practical point of understanding, Sarah’s family suffers an intensive family communication breakdown. From the brief synopsis of the family’s problem, there are several individually based problems that are affecting the family. First, Sarah creates a problem by arriving home late despite her ample knowledge that her husband has lately been behaving in a manner that show that he is hot tempered. On the other side, there are some non-relationship related problems affecting Sarah’s husband. Accordingly, the husband is affected by the adverse speculations that he might run out of employment after the current contract is finished. Finally, there is the issue of the eight-year-old child who has turned into a school bully. That implies that there is a disconnection in the entire family system. The concept of systems theory in family therapy implies that each family member has a sole responsibility to work with the other to ensure that there is an ultimate solution to the emergent problems. Doctor Murray Bowen discusses that every family member is connected to the other (Healy, 2014). That implies that the entire system is comprised of overlapping and intertwining relationships (Healy, 2014). These relationships can only be deciphered if all the members of the family work together. That implies that each member of the family has to stay within the stipulated and pre-determined boundaries. The theory is essential in diagnosing the causes or factors that contribute to the current problem facing the family. For instance, it is concise that the family fails to adore the fact that each member of the family has a responsibility in finding a solution towards the distressing moments. First, there is the need for the wife to communicate the reasons for being late prior to doing it. That would help seal one cause of the domestic violence. Concurrently, Sarah’s husband fails to communicate to the wife concerning the distressing things associated with possible loss of income after the current contract. The failure of the two family members to take personal initiative to resolve the small issues results in the fights results into the son’s behaviour. The eight-year-old child may have gathered the bully conduct from the series of domestic violence witnessed at home. However, understanding the family problem from this perspective could be assessed in terms of the strengths and weaknesses. Strengths of the systems theory 1. The systems theory recognizes the interdependence of the personnel constituting the family institution. Failure of one to respect the aspect of an interconnected relationship is likely to result in such family conflicts as in the case of Sarah’s family. 2. The systems theory also tries to show the extent in which the failure to consider the importance of interdependence could have on outside stakeholders. For instance, failure of the family to solve the conflicts within the family results in domestic violence. The emergence of domestic violence influences one of the children to become a school bully in emulation of the parents’ demeanour. 3. Finally, the approach seeks to explain the synergy and interdependence in the family institution. Weaknesses 1. The systems theory just favours stability over change. Therefore, any form of change in perspective or idea about a predetermined regulation is not embraced by the approach. 2. The systems theory also depicts that any form of conflict is either abnormal or destructive. Therefore, it provides a shoddy approach towards identifying the initial cause of institutional conflicts. 3. The systems theory fails to consider the powers or concerns of the smaller or minor participants. For instance, the system fails to consider the plight of the children in the context of resolving family disputes. Application of transpersonal theory The transpersonal theory is another applicable casework theory when it comes to dealing with social issues such as family therapy. The basic argument of the theory is that there ought to be additional stages of a being beyond the already existent adult ego (Kasprow & Scotton, 1999). The additional stages are expected to elevate the level of wisdom, creativity and altruism. The theory depicts a good approach towards understanding why societal institutions fail. It is concerned with the developmental perspective that is built upon a humanistic perspective. Institutions like marriage work if they are reinforced by some other factors to make them work (Harrison & Chance, 2005). In normal circumstances, the theory is used assess the spiritual aspects of human beings. However, it can also be used to assess the extent in which family members embrace the extra values of wisdom, creativity and altruism in their relationship. The current situation in Sarah’s family could be attributed to failure to include other aspects of life such as understanding and selflessness. The major cause of the conflicts between the husband and wife could be as a result of failure to understand each other. For instance, the husband fails to ask the wife or understand the rationale of hanging out with friends before venturing into a fight. Alternatively, the wife also fails to understand the problems she could have caused to her family due to arriving home late. From a theoretical point of understanding, the failure of there to be a full mind-body relationship could ruin the state of consciousness of human beings. These changes could result in frequent disagreement between people living or working together. Instead, each tends to use force in a bid to defend himself or herself. In most cases, it is a method of realizing the human potential. The same case applies to Sarah’s family. Her husband’s way of expressing the emotions is that of using force. Further, Sarah’s acts out of psychological trauma (Brown & Jenny, 2008). He fears of losing income and being unable to sustain his family and the bills that ought to be paid. Most likely, Sarah’s husband and son act of frustration. The family fails to utilize transcendent consciousness leading to the acquisition of behavioural patterns. Adverse patterns lead to deadly domestic violence. The theory insists that commitments towards violent and uncontrolled tempers (Kasprow & Scotton, 1999). The approach has its strengths and weaknesses. The following is an outline. Strengths 1. The transpersonal theory does not embrace any form of stigmatization. 2. The theoretical approach offers varied interventions that could analyse and even challenge some of the mainstream approaches. 3. It shows respect to diversity of solution. That implies that the approach recognizes that there are numerous ways of resolving the issues at hand without giving intense attention to particular channels towards awareness and consciousness. 4. It focuses on the need to consult the inner conscious self before acting. It is a good measure to ensure that one does not commit a non-reversible adverse action. Weaknesses 1. The approach does not befit every situation facing the client. A perfect example is that of Sarah’s family. The theory could only be applying to the husband and slightly to Sarah. 2. The theory is also categorically difficult when it comes to implementing it. Arguably, it is task oriented and time consuming. 3. In most cases, the approach is applied in the midst of forces that imply that the theory is marginalized due to lack of empirical basis. Most of the arguments in the theory are based on assumptions and spiritual applications. 4. The fact that the theory over depends on the conventional psychological development means that the theory is heterosexist and sexist. The fact that it does not explore a wide range of culture designates its inability to resolve most social issues. Application of the psychosocial development theory Sarah’s family seems to have a series of problems affecting both the parents and the children. That means that each of these categories demands a differentiated approach in a bid to identify the best fitting solution. The psychosocial development applies to different scenarios. One most detrimental aspect of the application of this theory to intervene sociological issues is age (Brown & Jenny, 2008). Each age in the development psycho has its designated demands. From a practical point of understanding, the family issues presented by Sarah can be assessed or understood via this theoretical approach. For instance, the issue of Sarah and her husband having frequent conflict over discussable issues. The major concern of the parents is to ensure that they make sure that their life counts. Therefore, the emotions, thoughts and life arguments are focused on determining the status of the family, relationships, society and work (Healy, 2014). Failure to succeed in one makes individuals feel like failures. It could be argued out that the failure of Sarah’s husband to feel satisfied in life and family made him feel discouraged. The most immediate result of these frustrations is violence. From the brief synopsis of Sarah’s predicaments, Sarah has also failed to provide some of the demand stipulated in the theory’s Care stage that constitutes of people aged 24 to 64 years. For instance, she stipulates that she failed to prepare food since she was not feeling well. Therefore, the husband could be suffering from frustrations of work and failure of the wife to create a comfortable home. The results of these frustrations mean reduced love and care between the two family heads. The effects are likely also to affect the children. For instance, the son who is at the age of 8 years needs love, care and guidance to make it through the stage of competence. It is feasible that the child adopts the bully attitude from the parent because they fight in the children’s midst (Bigner, 2002). In most cases, low esteem reduces a child’s capacity to relate to other children. Domestic violence easily results in child’s habit of putting up fights in school. The theory, however, has some strengths and weaknesses associated with it. Strengths 1. The theoretical approach creates the emphasis on the rational and adaptive nature of human being. 2. The theory establishes concise demands that ought to be fulfilled during the normal development of a human being. The approach is essential in determining some of the social impacts associated with the satisfaction of these demands in each stage. 3. The theoretical approach influences diverse research in the demands at each stage of development. Weaknesses 1. The theoretical approach is sometimes vague, thus making it hard to test when making consultation services to the clients 2. The theory tends to describe the human personality development without explaining the manner in which these developments occur. Failure of the theory to describe the interrelationship between one stage and the other with regards to social issues like family violence makes it vague when it comes to applying it in a real life situation. The case plan for this case Date: 28th August 2015 Case Plan between Sarah and Richard Participants: Sarah’s Husband: Craig Children: Melanie, Jack, Amy and Reece Duration Dates: 30 days (Four Weeks) Overall Case Outcome: Permanency in the family peace and coexistence. The permanency involves controlling the reactions between the two parents in the presence of the children with regards to developing strong guardianship. Anticipated Date of Achievement: 28th September 2015 Strengths: 1. First, both parents are still sound and willing to make the relationship work out. 2. Three of the children are not affected by the family wrangles. Thus, only one of the children has a record of bullying. 3. The fact that the possibility of Craig getting a new contract is high despite the poor attitude demonstrated by Craig. Needs: 1. Craig’s needs to stop using violence at home when his wife's conduct does not amuse him. 2. Sarah needs to understand and help Craig to get the frustrating and desperate feeling of losing the source of income for the family 3. Sarah needs to stop reporting late or doing things that will trigger violence before Craig recovers from work-frustration 4. Reece needs to stop fighting other children at school. 5. Sarah needs to prepare food and give Craig a warm and loving welcome when he reports from work Goals: 1. Sarah will have to take her marital duties seriously to avoid distressing Craig more. That ought to start immediately after the session starts. 2. Craig will employ understanding before making judgements about his wife’s misconduct. That means that he will learn to love his wife because she loves him and does not intend to hurt him at all. 3. Craig will have to engage with his children and condemn some of the behaviours that Reece is displaying at school. He will engage in counselling talks with Reece to show him how bad it is to fight fellow children. 4. Craig will have to stop fighting his wife. Ignition of domestic violence may lead to an end to the marriage if the law takes course 5. Sarah will encourage and avoid doing things that will frustrate Craig. 6. I, the social worker (Caseworker), will have to follow the case and progress on weekly basis. 7. Sarah and Craig will have contact with the children to create a sense of humour, love, care and support to each member of the family irrespective of the possible economic problems facing them. Signatures Prepared by :…………………………..…( Caseworker) ……………….…… …../…../….. (Date) Approved by :……………………….( Manager Casework) …………………........../…. /… (Date) Rationale and Conclusion The casework theories applied, in this case, each, contribute to the development of strong objectives and needs in the case plan. For instance, the systems theory and psychosocial development theories try to depict the necessity of running a family as a unit that has several subunits that have equal importance (Ansari, 2004). Therefore, most of the goals presented in the case plan oscillate around making the entire family institution a stable one. Arguably, the eco map use in the systems theory is very instrumental in the application of most other casework theories used in this and similar scenarios. For instance, the eco map depicts all the internal and external elements of a family. It becomes easy to identify the social problems and feasible solutions to these problems. References Family Systems Therapy. (2015, February 7). Retrieved from http://www.goodtherapy.org/family-systems-therapy.html Healy, K. (2014). Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice. Palgrave Macmillan. (Healy, 2014). Systems theory and family therapy: A primer. University Press of America. Brown, Jenny. (2008, September). Is Bowen Theory Still Relevant in the Family Therapy Field? Journal of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association of NSW Inc 3. Retrieved from http://www.familysystemstraining.com/papers/is-bowen-theory-still-relevant.html Harrison, V., & Chance, A. B. (2005). Is Bowen Theory still relevant in the Family Therapy field?. Ansari, S. (2004). Teaching note: Systems theory and management control. Retrieved January, 20, 2010. Kasprow, M. C., & Scotton, B. W. (1999). A review of transpersonal theory and its application to the practice of psychotherapy. The Journal of psychotherapy practice and research, 8(1), 12. Bigner, J. J. (2002). Parent-child relations: An introduction to parenting (p. 133). Merrill/Prentice Hall. Koerner, A. F., & Fitzpatrick, M. A. (2002). Toward a theory of family communication. Communication Theory, 12(1), 70-91. Gladding, S. T. (2002). Family therapy: History, theory, and practice. Merrill. Hepworth, D., Rooney, R., Rooney, G. D., Strom-Gottfried, K., & Larsen, J. A. (2009). Direct social work practice: Theory and skills. Cengage Learning. Early, T. J., & GlenMaye, L. F. (2000). Valuing families: Social work practice with families from a strengths perspective. Social Work, 45(2), 118-130. Read More

It includes three casework theories that could contribute to establishing an analysis of the cause of the family’s situation. It will, therefore, assess the strengths and weaknesses of these casework theories with regards to the social issue at hand. Synopsis of the social issues facing the family The complainant, in this case, is Sarah, a mother and wife in the family. She lays a series of issues she is facing with her family. First, she is distressed because of the wrangles she is having with her husband after she stayed out until late in the night.

She is said to be a victim of a series of domestic violence. Further, she complains of her children’s series of misconducts in school, something that has resulted in her being summoned by the principal of the school. There are some mere assumptions that Sarah postulates could have caused the behaviour of her husband. First, the issue of running out of funds after the current job is over is what makes the husband distressed. From a professional point of understanding, the issues facing Sarah and her family are easily analysed through casework theories.

That includes determining the cause of these social issues, the context of these social issues and the feasible channels to understand the same issues. Theoretical approach towards analysing the issues facing the family Theorists and researchers that have a history of giving attention to family therapy are said to have understood that human self is a relational and communicational being (Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002). That means that human beings are embedded in a concise relational network.

The first relational network loop is established in the institution of a family. That implies that the concept of human self that is embedded in the relational self is designed to serve as a guiding paradigm for family therapy (Gladding, 2002). That means that casework theories could serve a detrimental role in determining particular causes and effects of the social-family problem (Family Systems Therapy, 2015). Accordingly, it is an essential channel to use in determining the actual elements that maybe result in the problems that Sarah and her family are facing.

Arguably, the most prudent conclusion that any professional therapist in family issues could make is that the source of any human emotional suffering is a symptom of disordered family communication and relationships (Early & GlenMaye, 2000). The case intends to utilise three socially informed theories that could serve the purpose of understanding the issues facing Sarah’s family. These theories include the systems theory, transpersonal theory and the psychosocial development theory (Healy, 2014).

Application of the systems theory The systems theory is stringent in using some complex systems to explore the behaviour patterns and human experience (Healy, 2014). Precisely, the theory focuses on the idea that an effective system is entirely based on the individual needs, expectations, rewards, and the attributes of the people coexisting in the system. That includes a complex system such as the family. The theory depicts that systems such as families, the couples and other members of these social institutions have an immediate involvement in the process of resolving any emergent problems (Healy, 2014).

That includes scenarios where the problem could be an individual issue. The diagram above shows an eco-diagram of the family unit. It is structured around the idea of systems theory where there are many sub-systems form one entire system. The family unit is a complete system. However, its functionality is influenced by the larger society. However, it also influences how each member of the family relates to the larger society. These attributes can be demonstrated by the principles of the theory and the practical application in Sarah’s family.

Principles of systems theory There are some basic principles that create relevance in the systems theory, especially in a family therapy scenario.

Read More