The Dimensions of System Theory, sociology homework help

Write a 2 –
4 page paper, detail four of the theoretical perspectives outlined in your text
reading. Compare and contrast the theories using examples for support. Include
explanation of why it is necessary to understand human behavior as multifaceted
and how systems theory can be used to illuminate the many dimensions of a
person. Be sure to format it in APA style. At least one reference APA style.

Module 01 – Understanding a Systems Approach

The Dimensions of Systems Theory

Human Behavior can be studied and analyzed in a variety of ways. While some theories focus on the individual and development, others look at the behavior in terms of both the individual and their surroundings. Systems theories focus on the different dimensions of a person and how they influence each other. This includes looking at a person as an individual, as a part of their own environment, and as a representative of time.

Because human behavior has numerous dimensions, it is often categorized as multidimensional. In other words, certain aspects of a person can be looked at on an individual level but can be more completely understood by factoring in additional areas of that person’s life. These areas might include the individuality of the person, their physical, cultural, familial, and community environments, and the influence of the times in which a person lives.

Personal Dimensions

Every individual is unique. Even identical twins have their own unique perceptions. It is the uniqueness of each person that causes the complexity of understanding human behavior. Individual dimensions include the following:

Biological-This includes the physiological make-up of a person including genetics, the various systems within the person’s bodies that give them life, their hormonal and organ functions.

Psychological-This dimension refers to the mind and the mental processes that occur. The human mind consciously thinks through cognitions, feels through emotions, and identifies the self.

Spiritual-People search for understanding and purpose in life with this dimension, including concepts of morals, ethics, prayer, meditation, and religion.

Environmental Dimensions

The surroundings of a person can greatly influence behavior including their family, neighborhood, culture, education, community, and peers. These factors do not always remain constant for an individual, causing even more impact on behavior. Several dimensions include the following:

Physical-the actual surroundings of a person are categorized here such as home, weather, or nature.

Culture-culture is looked as a group’s way of life. It occurs on a material level as well as a behavioral one. Examples include beliefs, traditions, or values.

Social Structures-these are related social institutions that form patterns in a person’s life. The socioeconomic status, government, family, religion, and education of a person are all examples of this.

Family-this includes a person’s nuclear family, extended family, and chosen family.

*This dimension refers to people placed together by geography or common interest. Interactions within a community can affect behavior.

Time Dimensions

It is easy to overlook the importance of time when discussing behavior. However, the role it plays has great influence on society as well as individuals. It is best to think of time as a concept of orientation, whether historically, chronologically, or linear. Examples of how time influences behavior include the era someone grew up in, the developmental stage and age of a person, or referring to someone’s future.

The Ecological Systems Theory

Bronfenbrenner Ecological Systems Theory

Individual

The focus of the ecological system theory is that human development and behavior are influenced by a variety of environmental levels of systems. This begins with the individual.

Individual (age, sex, health, etc.)

The individual system accounts for different aspects of a person such as age, sex, and heath. For example, the opportunities and experiences one may have tend to vary based on being male or female.

Microsystem — immediate environment— individual

It refers to the institutions and groups that most immediately and directly impact an individual. Examples include- family, school, religious institutions, neighborhood, peers, etc.

Mesosystem – microsystem-immediate environment—individual

It consists of the interconnections between the microsystems, such as interactions between the family and teachers or relationships between one’s peers and their family. The Mesosystem connects the Microsystem with the next level , the Exosystem.

Exosystem—meso- micro- individual

Links social settings in which the individual does not have an active role with the individual’s immediate context.For instance, and individual might receive a promotion at work that requires more travel. This may increase conflict with their partner and change patterns of interaction with their children’s. This leads into the last system of the Ecological Systems Theory.

Macrosystem – exo—meso–micro—individual

Describes the culture in which an individual lives. It includes cultural contexts such as living in a developed or industrialized country, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity.

Chronosystem—macro—exo—meso—micro–individual

Surrounding a person’s entire ecological system is the Chronosystem. This is the pattern of environmental events and transitions over the life course as well as sociohistorical circumstances that influence and individual. For example, consider a divorce as a transition occurring in a child’s life. Researchers have found that the negative effects of divorce on children often peak in the first year after the divorce (Netherington, 1995). By two years after the divorce, family interaction is less chaotic and more stable. This transition affects relationships and interactions for the child throughout this time period and then again as an adult developing relationships. Another example from the chronosystem is the sociohistorical circumstance of the increase in career opportunities for women that occurred in the 20^th century. This has greatly influence how individual develop and behave.

As you can see there is great variety in the systems that affect individual development and behavior. The Ecological Systems Theory help understand these environmental systems and can be applied to anyone!