Write easy commentary about course perspectives
Ecology is the biological science that studies organism-environment relationships. It is focused on the interactions between organisms and elements of their environment. In the social sciences it is the focus on the person and the environment. However, it is not limited to the idea that the person is always the target of change or assistance. The environment itself–any part of it–or any organism within the environment can become the target of change or concern. It is also helpful in considering the behavior or functioning of any organism or entity in the environment.
Concepts from this theory help extend our understanding of the interacting personal, environmental, and cultural factors involved in complicated personal or social situations or conditions. The practice principles derived from this theory and used by change agents (social workers, human service workers, etc.) are aimed at promoting individual and family health, growth, satisfying social functioning, and a strong move toward a better “fit” between environment and its residents. That is to say that the goal is a mutual awareness, commitment, and responsiveness between all elements of the environment or between a specific entity and the environment at large. There is a strong focus on the effects of the environment on the growth, development, and behavior of people and institutions within the environment. Transactions between entities are the primary focus in improving the quality of life, social functioning, etc., for all who live with the ecological boundary.
Relatedness refers to attachments, friendships, positive kin relationships, and a sense of belonging to a supportive social network. The concept of relatedness is based in part on Bowlby’s (1973) attachment theory, which states that attachment is an innate capacity of human beings. Relatedness is also based on ideas about emotional and social loneliness and isolation (Weiss, 1973, 1982), social network theory (for example, Gottleib, 1986), mutual aid groups (Gitterman& Schulman, 1993), and ideas about relatedness to the natural world (for example, Searles, 1960), including responsible stewardship and the use of pets, gardening, camping, and wilderness experiences (for example, Germain, 1993). (Encyclopedia of Social Work)
In Ecological Theory, it is the nature, or the way, in which transactions occur that has significant meaning. It is the nature of the interactions between and among people that is the focus of attention. The ways we communicate, behave, and interact with one another affects the quality of life of the persons involved and spills over into the community in which they reside. Being treated with disrespect, disdain, discrimination, etc., affects individuals’ concept of themselves, their feeling of belonging, and their identification with the social group. It weakens the bonds between individuals and groups and, consequently, the bonds within a community. Transactions and reciprocity may be closely related, depending on the situation. When applying the term “transaction”, we’re really focusing on the nature of the interaction.
