ENVIRONMETAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION: EXPLORING SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMS A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of California State University, Stanislaus In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Social Work By Jennifer Hollenbeck May 2020 CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL ENVIRONMETAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION: EXPLORING SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMS by Jennifer Hollenbeck Signed Certification of Approval page is on file with the University Library John A. Garcia, Ph.D. Date Professor of Social Work Sevaughn Banks, Ph.D. Date Assistant Professor of Social Work © May 2020 Jennifer Hollenbeck ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DEDICATION I dedicate this thesis to my family, who’s support, love and encouragement has given me the strength to endure. To my mom: You are resilient in the face of adversity. I know the hardships we have experienced and I thank you for never wavering and giving up. You taught me that no matter the obstacles, hardships, or painful experiences we must keep fighting and striving for a better tomorrow. To my Love: Without you, none of this would have been possible. I know how incredibly hard you work to keep our family happy, healthy and thriving. Through all the challenges that we face together, I have always felt your love, support and encouragement. I am eternally grateful. Thank you for being my best friend. To my three children: Ryan, Luke and Lily, you three hold the key to my heart. All that I Am, everything I do, every goal, every wish is for you. I want you to know that dreams are possible, and even though at times it may feel too distant and unattainable, it is not impossible. Listen to yourself and never neglect your inner integrity, uniqueness, and self love. I love you with all of my being! iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge all of the participants in this study. Your knowledge, expertise and passion for environmental social work is truly inspiring. To my thesis chair, John Garcia, without your sincere guidance, thoughtful wisdom, and compassionate support, this thesis would have not been possible. You exemplify dedication and awe-inspiring passion. Thank you. v TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Dedication ............................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. v Abstract ................................................................................................................... viii CHAPTER I. Introduction ........................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem .......................................................... 1 Statement of the Purpose .......................................................... 5 Significance of the Study .......................................................... 6 II. Literature Review.................................................................................. 7 Defining Environmental Justice ................................................ 8 Curriculum Integration.............................................................. 10 Social Change ........................................................................... 12 III. Methodology ......................................................................................... 17 Research Design........................................................................ 17 Sampling Plan........................................................................... 18 Instrumentation......................................................................... 19 Data Collection......................................................................... 19 Plan for Data Analysis.............................................................. 20 Protection of Human Subjects.................................................. 20 IV. Results ................................................................................................... 22 Quantitative Findings................................................................ 22 Model Home Pages.............................................................. 23 Qualitative Findings.................................................................. 27 Definition of Terms............................................................. 28 Educational Strategies......................................................... 29 Obstacles and Challenges ................................................... 31 V. Discussion ............................................................................................. 36 vi Overview of Major Findings ..................................................... 36 Major Findings and Literature .................................................. 37 Limitations ................................................................................ 40 Implications for Practice Policy and Future Research .............. 41 References ............................................................................................................... 45 Appendix A. Interview Questions ............................................................................... 51 vii ABSTRACT This study describes and explores efforts to incorporate environmental justice in MSW programs across the nation. The study began with an initial internet search examining the number of MSW programs across the nation that appear to be incorporating environmental justice into their curriculum and followed up with in- depth interviews with prominent MSW instructors who are guiding the field related to environmental justice. The findings indicate that only 31.6% of the MSW programs surveyed showed evidence of environmental justice, which left 68.4% of the sample of MSW programs that do not show “any” evidence of environmental justice content on their webpages. Approximately 35% of the 60 programs appear to show evidence of environmental justice content on their website. provide invaluable information and admirable content on environmental social work. The participant interviews revealed that with guidance, the educators helped students achieve an ecologically conscious mindset through relevance, connection and insightful consideration. viii CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Statement of the Problem Scientists and environmentalists alike can agree that environmental decline is unprecedented. Due to the rapid rate of climate change, humans and other organisms are unable to adapt to keep pace with the rate of environmental change (Jung, 2016). The consequences of human impact on the environment influences weather patterns and raises the development of natural disasters. “Environmental threats confronting U.S. communities span a continuum from acute hazards such as natural disasters, to chronic, slow-onset stressors such as prolonged drought, rising urban pollution levels, and intransigent urban spatial inequities” (Kemp & Palinkas, 2015, p. 3). Climate change, fossil fuel production and emission, natural resource depletion, and mass pollution impact everyone; however, environmental degradation affects low income and impoverished communities at a much higher instance. Climate-related disasters have increased in magnitude resulting in substantial loss. “Over the past decade, more than 700,000 women, men and children lost their lives, over 1.4 million were injured and approximately 23 million are homeless as a result of disasters” (United Nations Development program, 2018 p. 1). Currently in communities throughout the United States, people are faced with droughts and water shortages. Droughts and drier than normal conditions are causing some of the deadliest wildfires known to date. As these fires rage through rural 1 2 communities, thousands of people are displaced as entire neighborhoods burn to the ground and challenge an already exhausted housing crisis. During the California Butte fire in 2015, close to 600 residents lost their homes, and many of the victims camped in tents or trailers as they awaited funds from the government. Government assistance can lack in time, duration and support. Consequently, surrounding communities began to witness a significant rise in rent and market value for homes following the disaster (The Guardian, 2017). Communities experiencing hurricanes, flooding, large scale pollution and wildfires will undoubtedly endure local economic disruption. The poor and marginalized are uniquely impacted and at times may never recover from their losses. The communities most affected by environmental injustices are the same communities where social workers provide aid at all levels within the community (McKinnon, 2008). The desire to implement practical, effective, evidence-based strategies for anticipating global environmental threats remains elusive (Kemp & Palinkas, 2015). Social work can play an integral role in developing and implementing policies and change, including guiding efforts to mobilize and strengthen communities as well assist in local, national and international disaster responses. Nevertheless, despite the efforts that have been made to incorporate environmental justice into social work, environmental issues and the social work profession continues to need further development (Jung, 2016). Mckinnon (2008) urges “Social work has the opportunity to be a part of the solution rather than an uninvolved bystander to the emerging environmental predicaments” (p. 266). 3 The link between social justice, environmental justice, and human rights is