ABSTRACT
The dominant theory guiding social work practice is the ecological systems perspective, a theory that clearly suffers from many of the criticisms presented by Mace concerning the uneasy relationship between social work and science. The ecological perspective offers a comprehensive model for explaining human behavior in the context of the social and ecological environment. This chapter summarizes the major underpinnings of the ecological systems perspective. The lack of knowledge boundaries within the practice of social work means the field will continue to have problems finding a niche among the helping professions. The chapter focuses on the key issues that have resulted from the field's disjuncture from science. A sound knowledge base for social work practice will only emerge from a greater emphasis on science in the field of social work.
