John Coates

St. Thomas

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  • Ecology and Social Work

    Toward a New Paradigm

    By John Coates     January 2003

    Social work, with few exceptions, has neglected to give serious consideration to the consequences of environmental devastation and the changes which a shift toward ecological sustainability will demand. If it is to remain viable, social work must become a positive pro-active force in the creation of a socially just and sustainable community. Coates critiques the assumptions, values and beliefs of the dominant world view which supports most economic and social activity. He reviews and critiques social work’s major theoretical frameworks and introduces and articulates a new world view, which provides a solid theoretical foundation for both social work education and a professional practice.