Within this assignment, I aim to both explore and explain what an ecological approach is; what the advantages and disadvantages are within the approach. Further to this, I will then discuss the approach in relation to UNOCINI (understanding the needs of children in Northern Ireland) throughout the assignment I will have both theoretical points of views and reasoning. (58)
At an early stage within the social work field, findings from individuals such as Mary Richmond discovered that the environment plays a part in human beings social functioning. With this information being known, little was added to the social work base. Furthermore, writers such as Germain (1973) and Hartman (1976) developed on the environment influencing individuals social functioning. There were some huge gains from these writers work, however their work had limitations. They were unable to explain procedures in relation to the approach when assessing clients and being able to treat them. With this is mind, it is important to state that
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When looking at Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) four level process, which can be explained as a circular model. it is important to be able to identify each level, as it explains how the individual can be influenced by others and their environment. The four stages are Microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem and macrosystem. “Scientific study of the progressive, mutual accommodation throughout the life course between an active growing human being and his or her environment”
As discussed previous, Germain (1973) was a key writer within the ecological approach findings.The work of Bronfenbrenner is central to his work along with Gitterman (1995) who state, “ecological thinking is less concerned with cause and is more concerned with the exchange between A and B, and how to help modify maladaptive exchanges” An introduction to applying social work theories and methods, teater, b (2010)