The ecosocial approach in social work as a framework for structural social work

Abstract

The article aims to deepen the understanding of structural social work from the point of view of the ecosocial framework. It analyses selected current international literature from the debate on the new wave of various interpretations of ecological social work. The debate shares four main themes: (a) a global perspective, (b) a critical view of professional social work, (c) a holistic ecosocial transition of society and (d) environmental and ecological justice. The ecosocial framework challenges structural social work to follow the principles of sustainable development and considers environmental issues as a crucial part of the goals and practical activities of structural social work.

Integrating youth participation and ecosocial work: New possibilities to advance environmental and social justice

“…Ecosocial work practice engages with community members to promote human dignity, ecological sustainability, and the empowerment and liberation of all people (Coates & Gray, 2012;Närhi & Matthies, 2018). In this way, ecosocial work can be understood as a form of anti-oppressive social work (Dominelli, 2002) that also is consistent with the values and principles of the environmental justice movement (Bryant, 1995;Bullard, 1996) and critical youth empowerment (Jennings et al, 2006).…”

“…Social work that incorporates an ecosocial framework is well-suited to support these community-driven efforts. Understood to be emancipatory and political, ecosocial work calls upon social workers to act collectively with community members to support social and economic equality, human dignity, ecological sustainability, and collective wellbeing (Närhi & Matthies, 2018;Peeters, 2012). Thus, to effectively practice ecosocial work, social workers must understand the perceptions of people, including youth, who are already working for social and environmental justice.…”

Environmental social work

“…A couple of reflections from those students are given as examples below: In addition, although ESW practice can take place at individual level, it mainly requires social change through structural social work. Structural social work considers social problems being inherent in societal structures such as capitalism; therefore, the focus of change is mainly on social structures and not individuals (Närhi and Matthies, 2018). However, the Swedish Social Service Law (Socialtjänstlagen) from 1982/2001 (revised in 2018) requires social work at three levels (individual, structural and general), and the role of structural social work has been largely marginalized and neglected in Sweden since the end of 1980s (Turunen, 2009;Sjöberg and Turunen, 2018).…”

“…In particular, social work is understood as a critical, emancipatory and political activity that aims to remove unequal and oppressive structures through collective alliances with citizens (Närhi and Matthies, 2018). In this sense, it could be argued that not only ESW but social work in general is political in nature.…”

Ecosocial work through corporate social responsibility: the case of company engagement with civil society in coastal communities in Mauritius

“…This entails companies both financing and being directly involved in interventions that could be labeled ecosocial work. The term ecosocial work refers to social work that combines social and ecological perspectives and takes a holistic approach to sustainable community development (Matthies, Närhi, & Ward, 2001;Närhi & Matthies, 2018). While this term is generally not used in connection with company CSR work, Mauritius provides an informative case on how CSR in fact may involve companies becoming key actors in local community development and ecosocial issues.…”