Description of TheoryChaos theory is a part of the broader systems theory. Systems theory simply states that small systems are part of a larger, more complex system. By being open rather than closed, smaller systems are able to continuously interact with each other, making them interdependent. Open systems allow chaos to exist because boundaries continually change and are defined and redefined (Bussolari & Goodell, 2009). Chaos theory is a relatively new theory for social work practice. This theory suggests that systems are constantly changing. As explained by Bussolari and Goodell (2009), Henri Ponicare tried to demonstrate that although systems are simple, they can produce unexpected behavior. One of the main concepts of chaos theory is the butterfly effect. The butterfly effect simply states that any small change “can dramatically alter the emerging pattern” or outcome (Bussolari & Goodell, 2009). The origin of the butterfly effect is scientific. It comes from Edward Lorenz, a meteorologist who discovered that a slight decimal change in his calculations dramatically changed the output of his computer (Bussolari & Goodell, 2009). For example, in the story "A Sound of Thunder" Ray Bradbury tells the story of a hunter named Eckels who travels back in time and inadvertently steps on a butterfly. When Eckles returns to the future, he finds that things have changed dramatically, such as the results of a recent election (Bradbury, 1952). A seemingly small change, like squishing a butterfly, significantly altered the future. The nonlinear relationship is also a key principle of chaos theory (Hudson, 2000). According to Hudson (2000), nonlinearity is necessary for chaos. It shows the disproportion between cause and effect... in the center of the card... as unpredictable. An individual cannot necessarily move away from what one person does and generalize it to an entire population. Chaos theory forces us to consider people as individuals. It promotes the idea that each person is an individual complex system that may or may not behave as expected. However, in relation to social and economic justice, chaos theory does nothing to improve them. As defined by the Center for Economic and Social Justice, justice is “a set of universal principles that guide people in judging what is right and what is wrong…”. Chaos theory does nothing to guide people in choosing what is right or wrong. It is simply a theory that explains dynamic behavior. Theory does not guide the construction of economic and social institutions. If chaos theory actually improves justice, there is a gap in the literature to support that claim.