Human ecology theory views humans and families as interacting with their environments. It considers these relationships as systems, with families carrying out biological, economic, and social functions for themselves and society. Families and environments are interdependent and influence each other. Families must adapt as they allocate resources to meet individual and family needs while balancing cooperation with demands for autonomy. The goal is survival and improving quality of life while sustaining natural resources.

1. HUMAN
ECOLOGY
THEORY
Reported by: Janette S. Sarmiento

2. Human Ecology Theory
 Human ecology theory concentrates on
the interaction and interdependence of
human as biological and social entities.
 Human ecology theory is a way of looking
at the interactions of humans with their
environments and considering this
relationship as a system.

3. The Origin of Human Ecological
Theory
 Greek root oikos meaning “Home”
 Home economics now often called human
ecology

4. Basic Premises
 Families interact with their environment to
form an ecosystem
 Families carry out the following for the
good of itself as well as the good of
society:
 Biological sustenance
 Economic maintenance
 Psychosocial and nurturance
functions

5. Basic Premises
 All peoples of the world are
interdependent on the resources of the
earth: there is a balance between:
 Cooperation and integration in the
ecosystem.
 With demands of the individual for
autonomy and freedom.

6. Assumptions
 Families and the environment are
interdependent.
 Families are part of the total life system,
so they are interdependent with other
forms of life.
 Adaptation is a continuing process in
families. They can “respond, change,
develop, and act on and modify their
environment.”

7. Assumptions
 All parts of the environment are
interrelated and influence each other.
 Families interact with multiple
environments.
 Families require matter-energy.

8. Assumptions
 Interactions between families and
environments are guided by two sets
of rules:
 Physical and biological laws of
nature (e.g., laws of
thermodynamics).
 Human-derived rules (e.g., social
norms).

9. Assumptions
 Environments do not determine human
behaviour but pose limitations and
constraints as well as possibilities and
opportunities for families.
 Decision making is the central control
process in families that directs actions for
attaining individual and family goals.

10. Underlying Values
 Survival: maintenance and sustainability
are important features of life
 “Four great virtues that contribute to the
ultimate good”.
 Economic adequacy
 Justice
 Freedom
 Peacefulness

11. Underlying Values
 Other virtues that can contribute to the quality of
life:
 Health
 Education and learning
 Loving and nurturing relationships
 Productive work and work environments,
 Experiences and symbolic system that
sustain meaning and a sense of community
 Beauty

12. Underlying Values
 Scholars and practitioners, acting on
these values, are expected to attend to
the problems of groups and subcultures
who lack:
 Power
 Self-determination
 Access to resources
 Human should be responsible to other
living species and the nonliving
environment.

13. Summary of the Main Problems or
Questions
 How do families function and adapt to
 Assure survival
 Improvement of quality of life
 Sustain natural resources
 How do families allocate and manage
resources to meet the needs of individuals
and the family as a group?

14. Summary of the Main Problems or
Questions
 How does environment (e.g., meso-, exo-,
and macrosystems) change influence
human development?
 How can families and family professional
contribute to the process of positive
change?
 What should be done to enhance the
quality of life while conserving the
environment?

15. Human Ecological Concepts
 Human ecosystem
 Environment
 Adaptation

16. Family Ecological Concepts
 Family
 Needs
 Values
 Management
 Decision Making
 Human Development
 Quality of Human Life
 Quality of the Environment

17. Thank you!!!
God Bless…