An introductory text on social work methods and policies and on social services, from an ecological perspective. Part I presents an overview of the systems within which social work and services evolved. Part II deals with ways that social workers create change and how this relates to ecological ideas. Part III discusses the ecology of specific settings for social work and social welfare activity. Part IV highlights the use of research and the nature of social work as a profession. Includes chapter Internet exercises. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.