The main concept behind ecological approach is “person in environment” (P.I.E). The four levels that are described below are the different levels according to Bronfenbrenner that affect the different development stages of a child. According to Oswalt (2015), Bronfenbrenner developed the Ecological Systems Theory to explain how a child’s environment affects their growth and development. The Ecological Systems Theory was created in the late 1970’s by Urie Bronfenbrenner. All social workers begin at the micro level to understand the inequalities, disadvantages, and the needed advocacy for vulnerable populations. While macro social workers typically do not provide therapy or other assistance (case management) to clients, they may interact directly with the individuals while conducting interviews during their research that pertains to the populations and social inequalities of their interest.Īlthough, social work is broad and allows practitioners to move within the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers that work on the macro level are often employed at non-profit organizations, public defense law firms (working pro-bono cases), government departments, and human rights organizations.
Macro level social workers often advocate to encourage state and federal governments to change policies to better serve vulnerable populations (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2015). They are responsible for creation and implementation of human service programs to address large scale social problems. The responsibilities for social workers on a macro level typically are finding the root cause or the why and effects of citywide, state, and/or national social problems. The focus of macro level social work is to help vulnerable populations indirectly and on a larger scale. Macro level social work is very distinct from micro and mezzo level. Many mezzo social work roles exist however social workers generally engage in micro and mezzo practice simultaneously (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2015). Examples of work and interest that mezzo social workers could be involved in include the establishment of a free food pantry within a local church to help with food resources for vulnerable populations, health clinics to provide services for the uninsured, or community budgeting/financial programs for low income families. The big difference between micro and mezzo level social work is that instead of engaging in individual counseling and support, mezzo social workers administer help to groups of people. Social workers on the mezzo level interact directly with people and agencies that share the same passion or interest.
Mezzo level social work involves developing and implementing plans for communities such as neighborhoods, churches, and schools. The focus of micro level practice is to help individuals, families, and small groups by giving one on one support and provide skills to help manage challenges (Johnson & Yanca. Micro-practice may even include military social work like helping military officials and families cope with military life and circumstances (see Chapter 14), school social work which could involve helping with school related resources, Individual education plans, and so on (see Chapter 11), or a mental health case manager to help individuals understand and cope with their mental illnesses (see Chapter 10). Micro social work involves meeting with individuals, families or small groups to help identify, and manage emotional, social, financial, or mental challenges, such as helping individuals to find appropriate housing, health care, and social services. Micro level social work is the most common practice scenario and happens directly with an individual client or family in most cases this is considered to be case management and therapy service. Micro, Mezzo, Macro Levels of Social Work