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Ecosocial innovations enabling social work to promote new forms of sustainable economy

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  • Aila‐Leena Matthies
  • Jef Peeters
  • Tuuli Hirvilammi
  • Ingo Stamm

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Aila‐Leena Matthies & Jef Peeters & Tuuli Hirvilammi & Ingo Stamm, 2020. "Ecosocial innovations enabling social work to promote new forms of sustainable economy," International Journal of Social Welfare, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(4), pages 378-389, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:injsow:v:29:y:2020:i:4:p:378-389
    DOI: 10.1111/ijsw.12423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aila-Leena Matthies & Ingo Stamm & Tuuli Hirvilammi & Kati Närhi, 2019. "Ecosocial Innovations and Their Capacity to Integrate Ecological, Economic and Social Sustainability Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-16, April.
    2. Fang, Kai & Heijungs, Reinout & De Snoo, Geert R., 2015. "Understanding the complementary linkages between environmental footprints and planetary boundaries in a footprint–boundary environmental sustainability assessment framework," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 218-226.
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    Cited by:

    1. Meredith Powers & Michaela Rinkel & Praveen Kumar, 2021. "Co-Creating a “Sustainable New Normal” for Social Work and Beyond: Embracing an Ecosocial Worldview," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Belén Parra Ramajo & Núria Prat Bau, 2024. "The Responsibilities of Social Work for Ecosocial Justice," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Mishal J. Al-Thani & Muammer Koç, 2023. "In Search of Sustainable Economy Definition: A Qatari Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-15, June.

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