Date of Award

January 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Bret Weber

Abstract

Humanity and society are deeply connected to nature and the environment at their core. Through processes of colonization, the Industrial Revolution, urbanization, consumerism, and capitalism, people and societies have become increasingly disconnected from the natural environment. Introduced as a helping profession through the Industrial Revolution, social work began rooted in environment but quickly changed to understand human and societal wellbeing through the narrow scope of the social environment through the person-in-environment approach. Modern day issues of climate change, environmental degradation, environmental racism, and environmental justice movements have necessitated social work’s increased understanding of the natural environment. The purpose of this thesis is to help build an understanding of the current climate for green, eco, and environmental social work in Canada, including understanding diverse historical and current perspectives and experiences of the land and environment in connection to societal wellbeing. An exploratory qualitative study employing key informant interviews was utilized to help identify best practices and guidance for the direction of green, eco, and environmental social work in the areas of research, education, and practice at the micro and mezzo levels. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven social work educators and practitioners well-versed in green, eco, and environmental social work through semi-structured key informant interviews. Interviewees were based both in the United States and in Canada. Following data transcription and analysis, the following key themes were identified: life purpose and meaning; deep environmental roots; impacts of nature; exploring connection; transforming social work education; emergent practices for green, eco, and environmental social work; and challenges/barriers to education and practice. These findings and implications are shared to strengthen the case for green, eco, and environmental social work integration into social work education, research, and practice.

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