Sustainable social work : a response to the climate emergency from social work education and practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2020
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Massey University
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Abstract
Evidence of the climate emergency is apparent in changing weather systems, rising sea levels, temperature extremes and challenges to food, energy and water security. These physical impacts have health and social implications that increase resource pressures and exacerbate inequities across all social systems. Those tasked with supporting the most vulnerable in the community must plan to face these challenges. Social workers in practice and education across Aotearoa New Zealand need to better understand the relevance of climate change impacts on their practice and prepare for a resilient future. The climate emergency has arrived and the time for action is now.
This educational action research, informed by Transformative learning theory and the Transtheoretical model of change, engages social workers, students and educators across Aotearoa New Zealand in a process of transformative learning about the climate change impacts on their work. Transformative learning theory informs the design and interpretation of qualitative data generated through three action research cycles. These include educational workshops, individual interviews and focus groups. Working in collaboration with key stakeholders this thesis identifies the educational and support needs of future social workers. From the findings emerge a working definition of Sustainable Social Work, an educational framework for the future social work curriculum and a Model of Sustainable Action. Each creates a practice-based response to the climate emergency underway in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Description
Listed in 2020 Dean's List of Exceptional Theses
Keywords
Social service, Climatic changes, Social work education, Social workers, Attitudes, New Zealand, Dean's List of Exceptional Theses