A1 Journal article (refereed)
Human Rights–Based Social Work and the Natural Environment : Time for New Perspectives (2023)
Stamm, I. (2023). Human Rights–Based Social Work and the Natural Environment : Time for New Perspectives. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 8(1), 42-50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-022-00236-x
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Stamm, Ingo
Journal or series: Journal of Human Rights and Social Work
eISSN: 2365-1792
Publication year: 2023
Publication date: 25/01/2023
Volume: 8
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 42-50
Publisher: Springer
Publication country: Germany
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-022-00236-x
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85240
Abstract
The natural environment and sustainability play an increasingly important role in social work as a discipline and profession. This is often described as the ecosocial paradigm. Even though the paradigm shares important ethical foundations with human rights–based social work, the connection between both is rarely examined in social work scholarship. This article addresses the gap by asking the following questions: How is the ecosocial paradigm linked to the human rights discourse in social work? What is the environmental dimension of human rights, and what implications does it have for social work? How can a human rights–based social work encompass the environmental dimension? In response, the article argues for the integration of new environmental perspectives into human rights–based social work. First, it shows that social work needs to refocus on collective human rights, such as the right to a healthy environment, recently recognized by the United Nations. Regarding the rights of children and youth, good examples of social work advocacy can already be found. Second, research knowledge and practice within the ecosocial paradigm are valuable resources for human rights–based social work, mainly regarding environmental justice and the principle of sustainability. Ultimately, it is only possible to strive for the realization of human rights, social change, and an inclusive and sustainable future if the natural environment is integrated as a social work concern.
Keywords: human rights; natural environment; sustainable development; environmental law
Free keywords: human rights; natural environment; ecosocial paradigm; sustainability; environmental justice
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2023
JUFO rating: 0