The Social-Ecological Approach

The social-ecological approach frames health and social development issues as resulting from the interplay of factors occurring at different levels – individual, family, social group, community, culture, and political-economic. 

This interplay forms a social ecology that shapes vulnerability, as well as resiliency and the capability for positive outcomes. We use the social-ecological approach to identify contributing factors and address them in order to reduce vulnerability and improve social well-being.