Bronfenbrenner's Ecological System Theory

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Comment Powered by Social work is a very unique field in that it covers many areas; all of which are vital to accomplishing the goals of the social work profession. Social work as a profession is geared towards assisting the public by improving their quality of life overall. As a result, social workers are equipped with many different skills to use depending on the issue they are facing with any given level of work. While many professions hone in on specific areas of expertise, social workers are required to possess multiple skills preparing them for varying situations even within their area of work. Within the social work profession, there are three levels of practice: micro- practice, mezzo-practice, …show more content…

In order to effectively improve the client’s quality of life, the social worker must meet them where they are. From the counseling perspective, just outside of the individual themselves is the environment (or the microsystem)—particularly the peers, family and friends— according to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. As one who believes a person is …show more content…

As Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and model suggests, the order of influence an environment has on someone is from furthest to closest (1979). With that in mind, tinkering with the environment (which is a big factor in social work) will eventually trickle down to the client themselves. However, the benefits of improving the quality of the environment and the social services do not stop at one individual. Changing the environment affects everyone involved. Although it would be less beneficial than individual counseling, from a utilitarian perspective it provides more good. Social workers also can work with the environment in a less direct way by ensuring the client is making the most of the social services other social workers have worked so hard to make available and beneficial. Most situations a social worker would work within the casework or case manager position are situations where the client has issues beyond his control. In order to maximize the quality of his life, meeting the client where he is at is vital. Not everyone has

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