Applications of the Normalization Principle in the Human Services: Implications for Social Work Education

Abstract

The normalization philosophy originated in the Scandinavian countries and was introduced into the United States in the early 1970s. One writer has described normalization as “one of the most coherent and systematic ideologies to light the road for all human services …” It is a complex ideology, and one that has been misunderstood by many. It is highly compatible with basic social work principles and has much to offer social work education, especially in the areas of social policy and services, planning and program development, and in expanding our appreciation of the importance of the social environment.