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

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 2