Title

Environmental Justice and Social Work Education: Social Workers' Professional Perspectives

Department/School

Social Work

Date of this version

2015

Document Type

Article

Keywords

curriculum development education, equalities values, social justice values

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2015.1063600

Abstract

Environmental injustice is a growing human rights issue as climate change and environmental degradation rapidly increases. As a social justice problem, it is relevant to the social work profession, yet not integrated into our curricula. This study of 373 social work professionals found that environmental justice is a significant practice issue across broad client populations and that professionals felt unprepared to address it. Qualitative and quantitative data revealed high levels of client exposure to environmental hazards with little power to change it. Respondents reported dissatisfaction with their education to help them understand environmental issues. Moreover, they indicated that they would like to see environmental justice integrated into social work education and better-prepared graduates entering the profession. Implications for practice and education are discussed.

Volume

34

Issue

5

Published in

Social Work Education

Citation/Other Information

Nesmith, A., & Smyth, N. (2015). Environmental justice and social work education: Social workers' professional perspectives. Social Work Education, 34(5), 484-501. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2015.1063600

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