Collapsed social work: a theoretical framework for adapting to societal collapse

Social work faces an uncertain future given the cascading effects of climate breakdown. Here, we examine a new conceptual framework for social work in a time of societal collapse as a potential adaptation. Unlike conventional social work models, this does not have the premise of a resumption of status quo systems but, in fact, reflects the unfortunate likelihood of the continued worsening of climate impacts on social systems. It develops a theoretical framework of ‘collapsed social work’ based on case studies of how social work currently operates and develops in collapsed situations. It illustrates how a flattened hierarchical framework, egalitarian principles and mutual aid dynamics come together in these times. It demonstrates that this is not only something that occurs organically but also something that we can actively create as social workers in practice as a pre-emptive plan for the future. Finally, we use scenario analysis to posit potential illustrative examples of its use. The article ultimately serves to question how social work might be reimagined and if it will even continue to survive at all.