Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

This scholarship is based on the conceptualization and implementation of a holistic approach for teaching about sustainability in social work. In response to increasing global changes, the presenters propose that social work education add meta-practice to traditional micro-, mezzo-, and macro-practice curriculum areas. The meta approach synthesizes inter-related environmental, cultural, economic, and social concerns—and their intersections. Drawing on pertinent literature, the presenters conceptualize meta-practice as a necessary paradigm shift for competent and relevant social work practice. Further, the presenters offer an initial articulation of how meta-practice uniquely addresses interdependent global concerns, particularly in the framework of sustainability. The presenters provide an example of how this integrative practice dimension was implemented in a social work curriculum and conclude with critical considerations of inter-disciplinary applications of this framework.