This paper addresses a social work theory and its practice with regard to a social issue. The ecological theory is described and its practical application to the issue of family effects of chronic illness (Alzheimer's disease), are discussed. Limitations of the theory are presented.
A theory is a coherent group of propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena or an explanation for facts and interrelationships. The ecological systems theory states that the individual is engaged in constant transition with other people and with other systems in the environment which reciprocally influence each other. This theory is an extension of the person-in-environment perspective that dominated social work until the mid-1970s. Ecological systems theory evolved as an outgrowth and synthesis of trends that include ego psychology, systems theory, family therapy, and ethnocultural factors. For the ecological theory, each system is unique and people are not mere reactors to environmental forces; they act on their environment and make choices. From this perspective, satisfaction of human needs and mastery of developmental tasks requires adequate resources in the environment and positive transactions between people and their environments (Compton & Galaway, 1984; pp. 36-38; Greene & Ephross, 1991, pp. 261-263, & Hepworth & Larsen, 1990, pp. 16-17).
Acceptance of the ecological theory perspective as a practice model is growing; it is an extension of the social work profession's interest in service modalities that enhance the intrapsychic life of the client and the client's environmental condition. This theory offers a rich framework that synthesizes ideas from numerous behavioral and social work practice theories (Greene & Ephross, 1991, pp. 261-263).
Assessment from the ecological systems theory perspective requires knowledge of the diverse systems involved in interactions between individuals and their enviro...