Holistic ecosocial work: A model for transformative change through being, knowing and doing

This chapter can be undertaken in a single session, or spread across various sessions. As the content is based on philosophical aspects of practice, it may be better suited for students who have established some understanding about the knowledge base of practice. The chapter will commence with a summary of key attributes relating to ecosocial work, highlighting that ecosocial work is distinct from conventional methods of practice. The need for transformative change involving a shift in the profession’s philosophical base is presented as a way forward to challenge inherent modernist assumptions that impede effective ecosocial work practice. A model of ecosocial work will be constructed according to the philosophical dimensions of ontology (being); epistemology (knowing); and methodology (doing). Exercises relating to each if these dimensions will be provided, as well as an exercise exploring the influence of dominant modernist discourses on student worldviews. Finally, Indigenous content will be embedded throughout the lesson in an attempt to pursue ongoing decolonisation and indigenisation processes within the profession, and to inform ecosocial work.