A1 Journal article (refereed)
Ecosocial work among social welfare professionals in Finland : Key learnings for future practice (2024)

Nöjd, T., Kannasoja, S., Niemi, P., Ranta‐Tyrkkö, S., & Närhi, K. (2024). Ecosocial work among social welfare professionals in Finland : Key learnings for future practice. International Journal of Social Welfare, 33(3), 732-744. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12638

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nöjd, Taija; Kannasoja, Sirpa; Niemi, Petteri; Ranta‐Tyrkkö, Satu; Närhi, Kati

Journal or series: International Journal of Social Welfare

ISSN: 1369-6866

eISSN: 1468-2397

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 18/01/2024

Volume: 33

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 732-744

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12638

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93061

Abstract

An ecosocial approach implies integrating social and ecological sustainability on all levels of social work practice (Boetto, British Journal of Social Work, 2017:47(1), 48–67). This survey study explored the frequency of ecosocial work practices in Finnish social work and the factors that enable or hinder adopting ecosocial work in social work practice. The study found that ecosocial work practices are quite rarely applied in Finnish social work. It indicates that personal interest in and knowledge of the ecosocial approach, organizational practices, and client attitudes play an important role. Social welfare professionals as well as the organizations where they work should be informed of environmental issues affecting human wellbeing and of the ecosocial approach in social work. This study examines the present state of the ecosocial approach in Finnish social work and provides opportunities to reflect on the relationship between social work and the natural environment.

Keywords: social services; social welfare; social work; ecological social work; environment

Free keywords: ecosocial work; environment; social services; social welfare; social work

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2