Greene Ch.

8 Ecological Perspective: An Eclectic Theoretical Framework for Social Work Practice

What is the Ecological Perspective? In the most general sense the ecological framework is an approach to social work practice that focuses on the complex transactions between people and their environments. The ecological perspective defines transactions as; the reciprocal people-environment exchanges. The perspective views the person-in-environment as one entity where the humans and environment are jointly shaping each other. It is a very broad framework that integrates a number of human behavior and social work practice theories. Components of the Ecological Perspective Ecology y The term ecological was adopted in social work practice to convey a dual, simultaneous concern for the adaptive potential of people and nutritive qualities of their environments (Greene, 2008, p. 201). Ecosystem- a community of species of plants and animals together with the physical features of their habitat. Ecological concepts about the adaptive abilities of humans in constant transactions with the environment are appropriate to social work because they allow us to understand diverse clients in a variety of live situations.

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Evolutionary Biology y Ecological perspective has also been framed by the adoption of the evolutionary biology concept of adaptation . Adaptations of the species over time as well as adaptation of the individual over the life span are encompassed in the perspective (Greene, 2008, p. 203). The concept of goodness-of-fit is key to the ecological perspective. Goodness-of-fit refers to how a person and his/her environment mutually shape and influence each other.

Ethology

Ethology is the study of animals in their natural settings. Ecological theorists have borrowed methods from ethologists to describe and analyze behavioral interactions between parents and children.

Anthropology y Ecological theorists have looked upon anthropologists to increase their understanding of personality development across cultures.

Ego Psychology y y Ego psychologists define competence as the person s achieved capacity to interact effectively with the environment. This idea permeates the ecological perspective. Another idea used from ego psychology is the concept of self efficacy, which refers to a person s perception of his/her ability to carry out certain behaviors.

Stress Theory y y Concepts related to coping skills and determinants of stress have also been borrowed from stress theorists by ecologists. Ecological approach to understanding stress and coping emphasizes a process orientation that centers around exploring a person s continuing relationship with his/her environment and the positive nature of coping.

Gestalt School of Psychology y y y y y Gestalt psychologists argue that all elements within the system are part of a harmonious whole and form a larger pattern of reality. Ecologists borrowed the terms field, personality and life space. Field- the totality of coexisting facts that are viewed as mutually independent. Personality- a product of the historical development of the interaction between the physiological organism and the environment. Life space- the whole psychological reality, containing every possible fact that can determine behavior.

Role Theory y Issues related to socialization processes, interactional behavioral systems, and mutual role expectations among family or other group members have had a major influence on the ecological approach.

Humanistic Psychology y Maslow s idea about how positive change can result from life experiences has also been adopted into the ecological perspective.

General Systems Theory

Systems theory and ecological approach are sometimes used interchangeably. It has been suggested that the ecological perspective was developed as part of the social work profession s efforts to humanize and integrate systems concepts. Similarities between systems theory and ecological approach include; a shared interest in different levels of systems, an emphasis on transactions among people and their environments, the need to examine a system as a whole, and a concern about stress and balances within and among systems. Ecological perspective is different from general systems theory because it focuses on the individual s ability to negotiate with his/her environment, where as systems theory emphasizes a system s ability to change.

Key Concepts within Ecological Perspective y y y Life Course- The timing of life events in relation to the social structures and historical changes affecting them. Relatedness- Attachment behaviors. Emotional and social changes among people. An individual s relationship with the natural environment. Competence- A history of successful transactions with the environment. The ability to make confident decisions, to trust one s judgment, to achieve self confidence, and to produce one s desired effects in the environment. Role- Expectations about how a person in a given social position is to act towards others and how others are to act toward that person. Niche- Statuses that are occupied by members of the community. Habitat- Places or locations where individuals are found. Adaptiveness- A goodness-of-fit between person-environment exchanges.

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Systems within the Ecological Perspective y y y y Microsystem- comprises a pattern of activities and roles and interpersonal face-to-face relations in the immediate setting Mesosystem- encompasses the linkages and processes occurring between 2 or more settings containing the developing person. Exosystem- comprises the linkages and a process occurring between 2 or more settings, at least one that doesn t ordinarily contain the developing person. Macrosystem- consists of the overarching patterns of a given culture or broader social context.

Ecological Approach to Social Work Intervention y y y y View the person and environment as inseparable Be an equal partner in the helping process Examine transactions between the person and environment by assessing all levels of systems affecting the clients Adaptiveness Assess life situations and transactions that induce high stress levels

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Attempt to enhance a client s personal competence through positive relationships and life experiences. Seek interventions that affect the goodness-of-fit between a client and his/her environment at all systems levels Focus on mutually sought solutions and client empowerment.