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

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

Socio-Ecological
Perspective

SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT VALUES

Personal 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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