Bshs325: Macro Systems Paper

Macro Systems Paper

BSHS/325

2/1/2015

Laura Cobb

Macro Systems Paper

The concepts of personal, interpersonal, and political empowerment all come from some source to help reach a common goal. In the work environment individuals are divided up into three categories which are; macro, mezzo, and micro. The macro system responds differently to child maltreatment, sexual abuse, crime, and delinquency. The difference between functionalism and interactionist theory view poverty from two totally different perspectives. Human service workers in the macro environment play various roles in the community when helping individuals reach self-sufficiency.

    The concept of personal empowerment comes within you. Its self-reliance and making your own decisions, following responsibilities. You understand and know where you are headed. It’s coming to the realization that something must change. An example of personal empowerment is a young adult living with his parents after flunking out of college. He works odd jobs but really doesn’t want to leave because he pays no bills. He has come to the realization that something must be changed. Interpersonal empowerment is one or more persons getting together to make decisions or follow through with a plan. Political empowerment is the government working to help the community and promoting political participation.  “In this sense, social work can be seen to be playing a major role in national development through empowerment of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of people in many countries, both developed and less developed” ("Sw&s", n.d.). 

    Macro, mezzo, and micro are the three categories that Social work is divided into. These three levels of practice influence one another and each category is very distinctive and used differently. The practice of Macro in the work environment is the effort to help clients by intervening in large systems. Macro practice empowers clients by involving them in systemic change. An Example includes changing a health care law. Mezzo social work practice deals with small to medium sized groups such as neighborhoods, schools, and other local organizations. An example would be community organizing. Micro practice is the third and one of the most commonly used by social workers because it focuses on the institutions and groups that affect the individual. This is the type of service most social workers love doing. In macro social work the social worker works with individuals and families to solve problems. Examples would be helping individuals find housing, jobs, healthcare and social services ("Social Work License Map", 2015).

They ask how this system handles child maltreatment, sexual abuse, crime, and delinquency. The macro system deals with communities, and organizations. None of these are taken lightly. If a child is being mistreated the police and a social worker will get involved. The social worker will have regular visits with the child and the family. If mistreatment is found then the child will be removed from the household and placed in foster care. The parents will lose custody if the children and be charged with child neglect in the correct manner. Sexual abuse is also very serious. When a report of sexual abuse occurs the police are also involved. The perpetrator is charged and is taken into custody. If it is a child they may be given counseling and regular checkups. Crime is also handled in a similar way. The police and courts get involved and then time is handed to the person who did the crime. It depends on the severity of the crime. This system also has delinquency prevention programs and organize funding’s for these programs ("An Introduction To Macro Practice In Social Work", n.d.).