Community-Based Social Work and Collective Norms for Sustainable Environmental Behavior Change

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Andika Pratama, Uyu Wahyudin, Jajat Sudrajat Ardiwinata, Ahmad Fauzan, Sukaryo, Rini Vovriyenti

2025 Research on Social Work Practice Article Cited by 0 SDG 17SDG 12SDG 16 Quartile

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines how participatory, community-based social work interventions can promote pro-environmental behavioral change among residents of the Musi River in Indonesia. Method: A 6-month participatory action research design was implemented across three riverine communities. Data were collected from N = 40 participants using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and behavioral surveys. Results: The intervention led to substantial shifts in reported environmental behavior, strengthened collective norms, and the emergence of a shared ecological identity. Residents demonstrated increased participation in river stewardship, peer-based monitoring, and localized environmental leadership. Discussion: The findings underscore the transformative potential of community-based social work in addressing environmental degradation. Through culturally grounded engagement, social workers functioned as facilitators of normative and structural change. This study contributes to advancing ecosocial frameworks within global social work practice, particularly in under-resourced urban contexts. © The Author(s) 2025

Affiliations

Department of Community Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia; Department of Civic Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia; Development Studies, University of London, London, United Kingdom

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