Situational Analysis: Centerless Systems and Human Service Practices

Abstract

Bronfenbrenner's ecological model is a conceptual framework that continues to contribute to human service practices. In the current article, the author describes the possibilities for practice made intelligible by drawing from this framework. She then explores White's “Web of Praxis” model as an important extension of this approach, and proceeds to offer Clarke's “Situational Analysis” as another fruitful tool for practitioners who seek relational ways of engaging with clients. With the example of a practice scenario, readers can consider the practical possibilities that open up with the shift in perspective invited by situational analysis.

KEYWORDS:

• Bronfenbrenner
• ecological model
• practice
• praxis
• situational analysis

Acknowledgments

The author thanks Dr. Jennifer White and the reviewers of this manuscript for valuable feedback, and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for financial support.

Notes

The terms “individualistic” and “collectivist” are used here to illustrate that different perspectives exist. However, it is important to note that perhaps none of us fall neatly within one of these categories or the other (Denborough, 2008). We are all polyvocal (Gergen & Gergen, 2000) and it may instead be a matter of foregrounding and backgrounding these different worldviews depending on the situation in which we find ourselves. For example, when it comes to health care my country's policies are collectivist, but when it comes to property rights they are individualistic.

It is important to clarify that I am not offering a critique on the theoretical model per se, but am acknowledging some of the quite literal ways it is frequently taken up in order to inform practice. This is merely an attempt to consider other possibilities—possibilities, which, I acknowledge, Bronfenbrenner himself was probably also working toward.

This practice scenario was borrowed from the course notes for CYC 251, 2010. Applying the Web of Praxis Model. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from http://blackboard.uvic.ca/webct/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct. Victoria, BC: University of Victoria.