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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