ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the ecological perspective—the unifying conceptual base of human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) and describes multilevel ethical concerns. Ecological perspective is also known as the person-environment construct, its key assumptions and terms offer a means of applying HBSE theories differentially, depending on client system size, context, and needs throughout the processes of engagement, assessment, and intervention. HBSE theory is primarily derived from social sciences that have evolved over sociohistorical time. Social workers have adopted theories deemed relevant to the profession's historical mission to both improve societal conditions and enhance social functioning of and between individuals, families, and groups. The chapter explains how the ecological perspective serves as a unifying force. It also discusses how HBSE theory provides a knowledge base to explain the human condition and suggests ways to take action on behalf of client and constituencies.
