A1 Journal article (refereed)
Ecosocial innovations enabling social work to promote new forms of sustainable economy (2020)
Matthies, A.‐L., Peeters, J., Hirvilammi, T., & Stamm, I. (2020). Ecosocial innovations enabling social work to promote new forms of sustainable economy. International Journal of Social Welfare, 29(4), 378-389. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12423
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Matthies, A.‐L.; Peeters, J.; Hirvilammi, T.; Stamm, I.
Journal or series: International Journal of Social Welfare
ISSN: 1369-6866
eISSN: 1468-2397
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 29
Issue number: 4
Pages range: 378-389
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12423
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68811
Abstract
Social work research and practice that address environmental sustainability have already become prominent. However, a change in unsustainable economic structures is also urgently needed. This study explored emerging opportunities in theory and practice for a sustainable economy that are relevant to the aims of social work. As practical examples, our study concerns ‘ecosocial innovations’, i.e., social innovations that combine ecological and social goals. We analysed how these grassroots innovations in the field of social work reflect crucial shared conceptions of alternative economies. The qualitative data set comprised of 50 ecosocial innovations and six case studies in five European countries. The findings show a rich diversity of ecosocial innovations and describe how they reframe economic purposes, value economic diversity and democratise the economy. We suggest that social work might consider these practices as opportunities for collaboration, especially regarding work with people on the margins of the labour market.
Keywords: social work; innovations; social innovations; sustainable development; sustainable consumption; ecological sustainability; new economy; circular economy; sharing economy; economic development
Free keywords: social work; ecosocial innovation; alternative economie; sustainability; case studies
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Contribution of Social Work and Systems of Income Security to the Ecosocial Transformation of Society
- Matthies, Aila-Leena
- Academy of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 2