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ECO-SOCIAL WORK. NEW CHALLENGES
ON THE HORIZON OF SOCIAL WORK
Szilvia Nyers
The call to rethink the economy is not new. In his book Small Is Beautiful, Ernst
E. Schumacher warned society about the multitude of production-related problems
which were already a heavy burden on the environment in the 1970s (Schumacher
1973). The new transcontinental challenges of our days make their impact felt in
nearly every area of life. Global warming, or the pandemic, have brought home
to humankind for good that there are no local problems without global
consequences. More and more people are convinced that the state of the Earth is
deeply worrying, and the guarantee for the future well-being of humankind is a
comprehensive change of attitude. As Jane Goodall writes in her recently published
book (Goodall — Abrams — Hudson 2021), increasing frustration, hopelessness,
and helplessness are spreading more rapidly than ever before. Yet the impact of
thousands of small but ethical deeds gives hope of the possibility for change.
Through diverse forms of social participation and collective action, the world can
potentially become a better place for future generations.
In the 21st century, reconsidering the attitude of humans to nature is an ever
more pressing task. In this process, education has an undeniable role, for teaching
as a power resource may contribute considerably to achieving a sustainable
environment and society.
This paper aims to interpret the significance of the relationship between
humanity and nature via the aspect of social work, and the possibilities it affords
for alleviating the complex problems which surround this relationship. More and
more people in this line of work think that the training and practice of social
workers ought to be expanded with more natural scientific knowledge.
The global definition of social work was approved by the International Federation of
Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Union of Social Workers Training Schools
in Melbourne in 2014.”
“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes
social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation
of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect
for diversity are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social
sciences, humanities, and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and
' See the 17 goals of sustainable development formulated by the UN (Sustainable Development
Goals). Access: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
: Global Definition of Social Work. Access: https://ifsw.org/global-definition-of-social-work/