Environmental social work

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“A collection of strategies and methods used by social workers to solve or prevent social problems or facilitate development using the environment in a reciprocal and sustainable manner”, (Mushunje and Matsika, 2023, p.1).¹

Environmental social work seeks to maximise use of the environment to address social challenges and maximise social functioning in ways that protect the environment.

There is a reciprocal relationship between the environment (imvelo) and people (family, community and society – hama, jama and jami).

There is a reciprocal relationship between imvelo and uroho (spirituality).

¹Mushunje, M. and Matsika, A. B. (2023). Environmental Social Work: African philosophies, frameworks and perspectives. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 48-56. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.1

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