Book Review and Commentary

Social Work in a Sustainable World
Mary, Nancy L. (2008). Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books, Inc. 220 pages. U.S. $29.95.
ISBN 978-1-933478-19-7

Reviewed by John Morrison, DSW, ACSW, Clinical Professor, Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois and Professor Emeritus, Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois

This is a very interesting book by an experienced social work educator. It provides a big picture of social work, particularly for those who are interested in international concerns and macro practice. It is well written and thoughtful; it is enjoyable reading but very thought provoking.

The initial chapter deals with four themes of sustainable social work. The first theme is long-term sustainability. A second is the interactive and interconnected web of life at all levels. A third theme is the connection between science and spirituality or religion. The fourth discusses a partnership model of human relationships and society, based on Eisler's theory of cultural transformation.

Most of the chapters follow a similar format: "things to think about," "main points," and brief suggestions for further reading. This format helps to reinforce the points that the author makes. In addition to a short list of suggested readings in each chapter, there is an extensive bibliography at the end of the book.

Beyond the initial chapter on social work's role in a sustainable future, other chapters deal with long-term sustainability and the environment, new systems thinking, spirituality and science, re-defining economy, sustainable politics, a model of social work and a sustainable world, and global partnerships.

The chapter on "sustainable politics" was particularly valuable. It deals with a range of critical international issues. A new paradigm for "transformational politics" is suggested. Two contrasting models are discussed: a traditional model emphasizing top down planning and power, and a "transformational partnership model." To give further emphasis to the power relationships, the author refers to the first as the "blade" model, emphasizing power relationships and domination. The second model, which shares power, is referred to as the "chalice model," obviously employing a religious metaphor. In this model, collegial relationships and partnerships, rather than power relationships, are emphasized. The practice implications in choosing either of these models are discussed at the individual, family, group, community, national, and world levels. The framing of these contrasting models in spiritual terms is interesting, and clearly identifies the importance of philosophy and values when thinking about social work. The author suggests that violence is not compatible with the basic goals of social work. Therefore, she believes that a new paradigm of transformational politics is called for that includes a strong role for civil society.

Following a chapter on politics, the author presents a model of what social work might look like in a sustainable world. In the author's view, social work in a sustainable world would include new systems thinking that will be able to deal with spirituality as well as science, and environmental and economic issues as well as politics, along with an overall emphasis on developing partnerships.

This book goes well beyond traditional European or Western models of social work and presents a world view of the field and its potential to enhance well-being. It helps to enhance the possibility that the social work profession will continue to think more globally. The book is easy to read, but deals with a far ranging and profound series of topics. One can imagine a number of uses for this book. It would obviously be useful for a course related to environmental social work. Well beyond that, it would be useful as a supplemental book in an initial philosophy of social work or social policy course, or could be used for capstone courses. It would also be useful for students interested in international social work, social policy, or the role of social work in an international context. It could be useful in an advanced social welfare seminar at the masters or doctoral level.

This is not a practice text about how to do social work, but deals with the overall purpose, philosophy, and values that should undergird social work. It deals with the basic question of why social work is important. Students and practitioners reading this book would be challenged to move beyond traditional, social agency roles, and to think about social work in larger and international contexts.

Another basic question that is raised is how social is social work, as practiced today, particularly by North American social workers? The author clearly wants us to recognize the social and collective nature of social work. Social work is more than therapy.

Nancy Mary's book, Social Work in a Sustainable World, is a stimulating, thought-provoking book. She makes a clear contribution to the social work literature with this volume. Those interested in international social work and macro work will be challenged on many levels.

About the Reviewer

John D. Morrison, DSW, ACSW, is Clinical Professor at the Dominican University Graduate School of School of Work, as well as Professor Emeritus at Aurora University. His research interests include community practice, social development, administration, and international social work.