Social Ecology Theory

Our integrated approach involves consideration of social & cultural, economic & political, as well as physical and ecological dimensions of life. Considered these as an integrated system leads to choices that are inherently more sustainable.

The strength of CSEPP’s approach to working with clients and communities is an integrated approach to understanding the dynamics of human and environmental life. The triangle’s sides represent the core dimensions of life. Sustainable systems emerge when each dimension is integrated and balanced with one another.

To build citizen ownership of a project or a program and secure local benefits communities should be viewed and engaged with holistically. Understanding the multiple dimensions of community life is the basis for understanding project impacts as well as opportunities. It may be that a client cannot address project impacts but can address other elements that are valuable for a community to thrive. By understanding this wider picture options for planning and implementation with mutual benefit increase dramatically.

Explore our theory modules below:

The CSEPP Seal

CSEPP’s seal features a turtle in harmony with the human world. The turtle has strong origin myths about the world in both Eastern and Western cultures, and it represents the natural environment. The turtle floats below the name and rings so as not to be constrained by linear barriers. The …

Fostering social change

CSEPP’s approach to fostering social change is rooted in the principles of social ecology. By grounding every project and citizen interaction in the culture of a place, successful projects become more likely as citizens become partners with agencies in planning and delivering services. The following table highlights specific ways CSEPP …

Bio-Social Model of Ecosystem Management

This model draws upon the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that says it is the policy of the federal government when making environmental decisions to promote “Productive Harmony”—that balance between humans and nature. It suggests that both the social and physical environments need to have persistence and diversity in order …

The Discovery Process

The key to implementing successful change is to understand the social and cultural structure within a community of place. The “inside point of view” becomes clear by entering everyday routines, making observations, and engaging in conversation with community members. This is called “The Discovery Process.” Since 1967 our company has …

Graduated approach to citizen engagement

Citizen involvement in planning activities is part of the democratic tradition in the U.S. and yet the methods to accomplish meaningful participation are generally not effective. This is because: A reliance on meetings means that the 98% of people that do not go to meetings are not included. Meetings are …

Seven Cultural Descriptors

Seven cultural descriptors are used to describe a community. The seven descriptors are geographic boundaries and natural features, networks (both formal and informal), publics, recreational activities, settlement patterns, supporting services and work routines. The figure above illustrates the seven cultural descriptors and their relationship to the community. Discussion of the …

Identifying and working in gathering places

Gathering places are a site where people regularly meet and discuss items of interest to themselves and their community/neighborhood. They serve as an excellent place to gather information and to validate issues. Gathering places can also be used to disseminate new information or dispel myths/misinformation (either by posting notices or …

Themes vs. Citizen Issues

The key to resolving issues through the issue management process is to distinguish between issues and themes and to ground these issues in real people. CSEPP refers to this process as a grounded response.Themes are the views or observations by people about their community. Themes do not carry a demand, …

Citizen Network Structures

Informal networks are made up of people who routinely support each other in predictable ways. They function as the means of survival, caretaking and maintaining culture at the grassroots level. They are the “98%-ers” who do not belong to organizations or attend public meetings. Informal networks represent a horizontal organizational …