Socio Ecological Perspective

THE SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: The philosophy of hauora, which comprises the interrelated dimensions of taha tinana (physical well-being), taha whanau (social well-being), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional well-being), and taha wairua (spiritual well-being), is central to every aspect of the health curriculum. ... students will develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and motivation to make informed decisions and to act in ways that contribute to their personal well-being, the well-being of other people, and that of society as a whole. It is essential that students understand and apply the socio-ecological perspective and health promotion concepts with-in their assessment tasks. Defining the socio-ecological perspective People can take part in the health promotion process effectively only when they have a clear view of the social and environmental factors that affect health and well-being. The socio-ecological perspective seeks to: • remove barriers to healthy choices. • create the conditions that promote personal own well-being and that of other people and society as a whole. • Develop a better appreciation of how and why individuals differ. Using the socio-ecological perspective enables students to understand: •

the interdependence and interrelationships that exist between themselves, others, and society.

•

how broader physical, social, political, economic, ethical, and cultural contexts and histories influence the ways in which individuals (and other people) make meaning out of their observations and experiences.

Working through the socio-ecological perspective helps students to: •

recognise that competing interests, power relationships, and access to resources may influence the ability of individuals, communities, and nations to achieve well-being.

•

use self-reflection and critical thinking to lead to positive action.

The socio-ecological perspective embraces the values of: •

care and concern for others

•

social justice.

Taking a socio-ecological perspective enables students to respond to an ever-changing world. The socio-ecological perspective enables young people to look beyond the superficial and beyond themselves and to work towards a future that encourages people to question, to challenge and, where appropriate, to take action to improve practices related to health. Complete the Diagram below by listing what would be included under ‘society’, ‘environment’, and ‘values’.

Socio-Ecological Perspective

SOCIETY

ENVIRONMENT

VALUES

-

Complete the Diagram below by listing what would be included under ‘society’, ‘environment’, and ‘values’.

Socio-Ecological Perspective

SOCIETY

Personal

ENVIRONMENT

VALUES

Determinants

Positive/responsible

Interpersonal

attitude to own well-

Societal

being and others. Care & concern for others. Respect for rights of others. Social Justice.

HEALTH PROMOTION

Read the two scenario’s below. Identify which one is a socio-ecological response and explain why. Scenario 1 Jack has a binge drinking problem, he realises that part of the problem is the drinking culture in New Zealand. Jack reads some pamphlets about safe drinking patterns and makes a plan to help prevent him drinking too much when he goes out. Jack’s friends want to help him, so they make a pact to not encourage him to drink and to stop others at parties from pressuring him to drink. Jack’s High School is going to do a Health Promotion this year for senior students around responsible drinking patterns and they have changed their Alcohol Policy so that alcohol is not allowed at any school function. Scenario 2 Jack has a binge drinking problem, he realises that part of the problem is the drinking culture in New Zealand. Jack reads some pamphlets about safe drinking patterns but decides the limits for responsible drinking are not realistic, so he sets his own limits. Jack’s friends can’t understand why he is trying to cut down and they keep pressuring him to drink like he used to. Jack’s High School is going to do a Health Promotion this year for senior students around responsible drinking patterns and this year they are allowing alcohol to be served at the school ball to students 18 years and over. a. The scenario that is taking into account the socio-ecological perspective is: Scenario _____ b. Explain why this scenario is a socio-ecological response:

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