The Oppression of Women and Nature: Ecofeminism as a Framework for an Expanded Ecological Social Work

Abstract

This article broadens and clarifies the way social work conceptualizes its ecological/system constructs and the professional commitments that flow from them. It utilizes important insight from a contemporary, radical environmental philosophy—ecofeminism—to search for language and descriptions that may help the profession begin the process of formulating and depicting an expanded ecological model of practice. This article sketches the essential philosophical premises of a revisioned ecological model and offers suggestions for interpreting and applying this model. Specifically, it gives attention to critiquing the interrelated oppression stemming from modern economic theory and practice, and ways in which social workers may collaborate with communities and individuals to bring about change.