02 Dec What kinds of challenges and opportunities do environmental issues and disasters present for social workers? Explain how specific population groups are affected by environmental issues? W
Directions:
After reviewing the content in Modules 16 – 17 answer the following questions
What kinds of challenges and opportunities do environmental issues and disasters present for social workers?
Explain how specific population groups are affected by environmental issues?
What are a few areas to advocate for change and reform in international social work practice?
Posts should be at least 400 words.
SWU 171 Intro to Social Work Dr. Hilary Haseley, PhD, MSW, ACUE
International Social Work
International social work: Practice in other countries, collaboration on international issues, service of international clients outside the United States, and practice with immigrants and refugees in the United States
Global practice: Social work activities based on a special appreciation and understanding that globalization has made it possible for people around the world to experience multiple cultures and become involved in and affected by various social problems and causes
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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International Social Work
Level of National Development
The term third world country has fallen out of favor and is seen as pejorative
Industrialized countries: Developed economy, advanced technology, modernized
Developing countries: Less-developed economy, lower technology, lower standard of living, disproportionate number of endangered youth, high birth rates from lack of sex education, high death rates (infant mortality, life expectancy), often struggle with establishing policies and laws and effectively allocating limited resources to address and advance the needs and rights of vulnerable people
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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International Social Work
Social Work Principles for International Practice
Transnational identities
People may belong to multiple societies at once
Allegiance to, and a sense of home in, more than one country
Cultural humility
Sensitivity to and appreciation for diversity
Active challenging of one’s own ethnocentrism and development of culturally appropriate and relevant skills/approaches
Cultural knowledge can be gained through reading, research, continuing education, and interactions with different groups
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
International Social Work
Bilingualism and multilingualism
Multilingualism is ability to communicate in multiple languages
Differs from language interpretation skills, which require special training
Comparative social policy
Analysis of policies and service delivery in other countries
Values and culture impact policy practicality
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International Social Work
Social Work Principles for International Practice
Principles of ethics
Codes of Ethics may vary in other countries due to cultural norms
IASSW and IFSW have developed a “Statement of Ethical Principles” instead
Charity and empowerment
Charity provides goods and services to those in need
International charity addresses immediate/life-threatening needs
However, charity can mirror social injustices and inequities
Charity does not empower people and may be needed indefinitely
Instead, social work strives to empower people, to get them involved in decision-making and power structures, to advance their own rights and advocate for themselves
Social development
Activities that combat exploitation and oppression by equitably distributing social/economic gains and stimulating fulfillment for people
Encourages every member of society to reach their full potential
Immigration crisis and social work
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Current Issues Facing International Social Workers
COVID-19 Pandemic
Pandemic: Worldwide outbreak of disease that challenges every geographical location across the globe with illness and loss of life
COVID-19: Respiratory illness caused by a virus transmitted through respiratory droplets
Important preventative measures: Social distancing, wearing masks, and cleaning hands and surfaces
Role of social work and social workers in a pandemic: Guided by the NASW Code of Ethics
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Current Issues Facing International Social Workers
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Antiretroviral medications can slow the disease’s progress and perhaps allow them to live indefinitely
Typically transmitted through sexual behavior or shared needles
Key global estimates concerning the prevalence of HIV
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Current Issues Facing International Social Workers
Child Welfare
Children are among the most poverty-stricken populations worldwide
Caretakers are crucial for child safety and developing attachment
Children represent our future assets as a society and world
Investment in child welfare is an investment in the future of our world
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Current Issues Facing International Social Workers
Poverty
Both wealthy and economically challenged countries have class systems
Disparities are often largest in poverty-stricken nations
Globally, poverty is far more staggering than it is in the United States
About 40–60 million people of the world gets by on $1.90 per day or less
The UN has the Multidimensional Poverty Index to measure deprivation
Health, education, and living standards are taken into account
Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and poorer Latin American countries suffer more than others
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Current Issues Facing International Social Workers
Refugees: Immigrants who are given special consideration due to having to leave their countries due to human rights violations
Asylum seekers: A person seeking or claiming the status of refugee but not yet formally evaluated and judged to be a refugee
Countries rely on international and local nongovernmental organizations to meet refugees’ immediate needs
Nongovernmental organizations: Not-for-profit, nongovernmental entities that often are involved in alleviating international crises and addressing dire human needs
Changes in policy due to COVID-19 pandemic and election of President Biden
Language choices:
“Unauthorized person” preferred over “undocumented person”
“Legal permanent resident” preferred over “green card holder”
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Current Issues Facing International Social Workers
Safety
National origin: A person’s or their ancestor’s country of birth
Undocumented person: A person who is not a legal citizen of the United States and without legal right and documentation to be in the United States
Documented person: A person who is not a legal citizen of the United States but has a legal right to be in the United States
Legal permanent resident: A person legally admitted to the United States with the privilege to be a permanent resident
Nonimmigrant: A foreign-born person temporarily in the United States
Temporary protected status: A temporary status granted to eligible nationals from designated countries as determined by the US Secretary of Homeland Security. These people already reside in the United States, and a determination has been made that they are unable to return to their home countries as a result of safety or country circumstances
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
Current Issues Facing International Social Workers
Self-care refers to maintaining one’s own wellness and health
Safety may be the paramount consideration in international work
Seek appropriate oversight and supervision, especially in undefined workplaces
Know your own motivations and vulnerabilities
Know your strengths and limitations
Know how cultures view international social workers
Establish adequate support systems
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Diversity and International Practice
Class
Access to technology tied into class.
Internet access is key in advanced nations.
Applying for benefits may require Internet access.
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and International Practice
Gender and Sexual Orientation
In 2013, the UN called for countries to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, and to grant them their human rights
Social workers look for opportunities to use political commentary and media to partner with powerful people to advance social justice for LGBTQ+ people
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and International Practice
Gender and Sexual Orientation
Women continue to be oppressed, dominated, and exploited around the world
Oppression against women may be deeply involved in some cultures, even in women’s self-identities
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and International Practice
Race
Growing number of people of multiple descent in America
Racial categorization is complex in many parts of the world
People in multiracial populations may identify with a primary race
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and International Practice
Intersections of Diversity
We have to view people’s multiple aspects of identity and be prepared to see each individual from a unique perspective
This includes understanding how one’s identity and cultural norms may make them reluctant to work with a social worker
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and International Social Work
Economic and Social Justice
Violence against women takes many forms and requires consideration of social context as it is examined
Promoting economic and social justice for women internationally also means supporting it vociferously here in the United States
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and International Social Work
Environmental Justice
Migration can occur for a range of reasons: Refuge, economic opportunity, safer and more sanitary conditions
Social work involves helping people advocate for better conditions and adjusting to new places
Migration also occurs within countries—people may move to locations with more opportunities for employment and/or higher standards of living
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and International Social Work
Human Needs and Rights
Cultural values about human needs and rights vary widely among countries
We have to balance respect for others’ beliefs and ways with human needs and rights
Child prostitutes in Thailand
UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights can serve as a basic starting point to apply to all nations
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and International Social Work
Political Access
Leaders are chosen by many different means worldwide
Not all countries citizens’ have the right to vote, let alone influence policy
Politicians often require copious money to run for office, and then may be beholden to those who donated to their campaigns
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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SWU 171 Intro to social work dr. hilary Haseley, phd, msw, acue
Environmentalism and Social Work
Social Work Leadership in Environmentalism
National Association of Social Workers
1999: Delegate Assembly of NASW declared environmental exploitation violated social justice, and therefore, the Code of Ethics
Social work came to embrace environmentalism as part of the profession’s mandate
Council on Social Work Education
Council of Social Work (CSWE): National accrediting body of social work education programs
Declared in 2010 that sustainability was the social just issue of the 21st century
Human behavior in the social environment is a key part of social work education
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Environmentalism and Social Work
Ecological Social Welfare and Practice
Ecological social welfare: A process of planned, inclusive social change designed to promote people’s welfare in conjunction with a comprehensive program of economic activities within the tenets of environmental justice
Principles of ecological social welfare practice
Intrinsic value of each individual
Unique solutions from diversity of culture and social organization
Service delivery system managed by community members
Public policy that provides resources to sustain communities’ well-being
Benchmark of social and economic development: what is good for individuals and communities
Sustainability
Principles
Concern and respect for earth’s finite resources
Holding people accountable for their actions
Aligning social work practice and policy with the goal of global justice
Extolling social solidarity, diversity, and empowerment
Areas of growing attention
Electric cars and charging networks
Plastic
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Environmentalism and Social Work
Ecological justice
Ecological justice: All life deserves justice, and each nation’s behavior toward the environment affects all other nations; the needs of nature align with the needs of people
Striking a balance between the needs of people and the natural world
Ecological ethics
Ecological ethics: An idea suggesting that social work must consider its ethical position regarding the value placed on nature for the sake of nature
Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
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Environmental Issues
Overpopulation
Global water and sanitation, global hunger, energy, overcrowding, migration.
Current global population is over 7 billion
Problems caused by overpopulation
Global water shortages and sanitation concerns
Global hunger
Greater need for energy resources—renewable energy can help here
Overcrowding—makes hygiene, privacy, and quiet more difficult to obtain
Migration—increasingly from poor countries with few opportunities
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Environmental Issues
Pollutants
Pollution is the deposit of harmful materials into water, air, and soil
Major human problems associated with pollution
Air: Diseases, depletion of the ozone
Water: Diseases and illnesses, birth defects, reproductive ability
Land: Cancer, repository problems, skin diseases, difficulty with crops
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Environmental Issues
Climate Change
Includes temperature, wind patterns, and precipitation changes.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actions
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Environmental Issues
Environmental Disasters
Environmental disasters: Events occurring in the natural world that cause serious disruptions to human activity
In order to participate, we must:
Educate social workers on trauma and protracted recovery phase of disasters
Understand unique cultural features of disasters
Understand consequences of disasters for vulnerable populations
Research disaster responses
Take leadership roles in disaster relief
Design effective and efficient strategies for disaster recovery
Flooding
Overland floods are most common, with rivers/streams overflowing
Floods may happen suddenly and give people little time to escape or save belongings, or to protect their property
Drought
Unusually persistent dry weather that can damage crops and threaten animal life
Types of droughts
Meteorological: Much lower-than-normal participation
Agricultural: Moisture in the soil cannot sustain crops
Hydrological: Surface or subsurface water is below normal supply
Socioeconomic: Physical and water shortages begin to impact people
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Environmental Issues
Hurricanes
Large storms that may last up to a week with devastating wind and rain
Storm surges are often most dangerous part of a hurricane
Social workers can take roles as first responders to help people prepare for storms and recover after they pass
Famine
The scarcity of food, responsible for hunger, malnutrition, starvation
Can be caused by flooding
Green Revolution of 1970s/1980s increased grain production but decimated groundwater supplies and increased pesticide use
Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Environmentalism
Class
Economically challenged people suffer most in natural disasters and have least access to recovery services and private assets
Social workers can encourage clients at all income levels to have disaster preparedness plans
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Environmentalism
Gender and Sexual Orientation
Women in poverty are particularly vulnerable to disasters, and their children may be similarly endangered
Women’s lack of power and subordination in societies is a key factor in their vulnerability to disaster effects
Women must be included as equal partners in disaster mitigation planning
Queer ecology integrates LGBTQ+ theories with ecology
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Environmentalism
Race and Ethnicity
Higher likelihood that people of color live near polluters and breathe polluted air
Environmental racism involves regulations and policies that target certain communities for locally undesirable land uses along with lax regulations of industries
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Environmentalism
Age
Older people are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters
May be more reluctant or less able to evacuate, or be more isolated than others
Social workers can enhance sustainability efforts to help the environment sustain older people as well
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and Environmentalism
Supportive Environment
The person-in-environment perspective needs to expand to include the natural environment rather than only the social
Social work practices and policies need to recognize environmental concerns as an important driving factor
In our various roles as social workers, we need to recognize the mutually supportive relationship between people and the environment
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and Environmentalism
Human Needs and Rights
Pollution is often caused by affluence and disproportionately impacts those who struggle economically
Oppressed people are rarely consulted about negative environmental impacts of pollution and tend not to benefit from relevant policies
Human rights are risked when environmental degradation is ignored
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and Environmentalism
Political Access
Grassroots movements have impacted policymakers regarding environmental issues
Fracking is an issue of current concern, as it can release chemicals that poison well water and aquifers, and even the air, as well as cause other health hazards
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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