What does the term "macro practice" refer to in social work?

The term "macro practice" in social work refers to interventions that focus on larger systems such as communities, institutions, and policies. This practice area emphasizes a broader view of social issues and seeks to address systemic problems that affect the well-being of individuals and communities as a whole. By working at this level, social workers engage in advocacy, policy formulation, community organizing, and program development to promote social justice and improve the quality of life for groups of people.

Macro practice recognizes that individual problems often stem from larger societal factors, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Therefore, solutions need to target these broader issues to foster meaningful and sustainable change. This approach complements micro practice, which focuses on individual and family issues, by providing a more comprehensive framework for addressing social challenges.

Meanwhile, other options do not align with the definition of macro practice. For instance, interventions focused solely on individuals’ personal issues or building one-on-one relationships with clients pertain to micro practice. Research and evaluation in small community settings may fall under mezzo practice, which bridges individual and macro levels, but does not fully encompass the essence of macro practice.