The socio-environmental issue: A descriptive study about the theme in Latin American Seminars of Schools of Social Work

Abstract

The article analyzes the academic debate of the Social Work in Latin America regarding the social-environmental issue. The academic space of dialogue studied was the Latin American Seminars of Schools of Social Work occurring between 1998 and 2012. During this period, five seminars were held, presenting more than 1,000 studies. The research examined these studies, separating the works that directly addressed the socio-environmental issue in order to: a) identify the most used (theoretical or contextual) concepts; b) determine the predominant social and environmental problems studied; and c) learn about the fields of professional action. The results showed the Social Workers commitment to elaborate an academic and political position facing the extractive and capitalist logics that affect much of Latin America, particularly the rural and indigenous communities. The findings pointed out the need to broaden the disciplinary narratives in place, aiming to gain space in the global debate.

Keywords:
Social Work; Socio-environmental issue; Scientific debate