A Wholistic Paradigm for Sustainability
A new way of thinking is emerging that may help solve some of the serious environmental, economic, and social problems that must be engaged to create a sustainable world. The scientific, reductionist, individualist modern paradigm, with social workers in the expert role, has led to many benefits and costs in today’s world. The emerging wholistic paradigm is based on interdependence, partnership, cooperation, and respect for the earth and all beings. Social workers in the role of partners are using approaches like systems theory, client strengths, partnership, and empowerment that reflect the wholistic paradigm. These wholistic social workers may also make use of other theories and methods such as chaos theory, fractal geometry, intuitive thinking, and practice wisdom to fulfill the profession’s responsibility to help create a sustainable world.