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Sociology & Social Policy

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Article Open Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ssp.2025.09.004

Transforming Social Work for Sustainability: Reframing Social Work through an Eco-social Lens

Peter Jusko

Department of Social Work, Faculty of Education, Matej Bel University, Banská Bystrica 97401, SK.

*Corresponding author: Peter Jusko

Published: August 21,2025

Abstract

The Eco-social transformation of social work represents a new approach responding to the deepening ecological crisis and growing social inequalities. While traditional social work has historically focused primarily on solving the problems of individuals and communities in a social context, the eco-social paradigm broadens this perspective to include an environmental dimension and the systemic interconnection between humans, society, and the natural environment. Based on a synthesis of international professional literature, this article analyses the theoretical foundations, value frameworks, and practical applications of eco-social work. It pays particular attention to the challenges faced by professionals in implementing these approaches in practice, as well as the possibilities for integrating them into education, policies, and professional standards. Eco-social work thus emerges as a potential tool for social transformation towards a more just and sustainable future

Keywords

Eco-social work; Sustainability; Environmental justice; Social work; Systemic change; Climate crisis; Community resilience

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How to cite this paper

Transforming Social Work for Sustainability: Reframing Social Work through an Eco-social Lens

How to cite this paper: Peter Jusko. (2025). Transforming Social Work for Sustainability: Reframing Social Work through an Eco-social Lens. Sociology & Social Policy2(2), 59-66.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ssp.2025.09.004