Social workers as agents of change: understanding water conservation behaviours and the role of environmental education

Abstract

This mixed-methods research studies the perceptions and practices related to water consumption among social workers in Türkiye. It looks at the determinants that may influence water-saving behaviour and the potential of environmental education. Quantitatively, the results showed that according to the returned questionnaires completed by 395 social workers, significant differences were observed in terms of gender, age, marital status, parental influence, and water-saving training programmes; the female respondents, older respondents, and respondents with children were more active in water-saving practices. In-depth interviews with a purposive sample of ten social workers reinforced how personal experiences, family upbringing, and cultural values shape attitudes related to water conservation. Thematic analysis showed that early socialisation and direct exposure to water scarcity are key factors in promoting sustainable water behaviours. The combination of the quantitative and qualitative results highlights placing environmental education in the curriculum and post-qualifying education on the use of water as a resource in a sustainable manner. For this, future research should be carried out to identify the long-term effects of education concerning water conservation within social work practice.