Social work in space: Expanding policy and practice into the cosmos

Abstract

As private interests expand in space, what is the significance, if any, to social work? To answer this question, I present several implications of contemporary human activities in space and assess their relevance to environmental and ecological justice. Specifically, I evaluate the connection between the profession and the commercialization and exploitation of space resources, human-generated cosmic “trash,” and terrestrial challenges. I conclude that social work must “look to the stars” and help humanity navigate competing interests in a delicate space future. Nearly a quarter century ago, ecological consequences of human activity prompted social work to incorporate the natural environment into practice. In preparation for the realization of modern extraterrestrial objectives, I propose that social work expand its conceptualization of the natural environment from ecosphere to cosmos. In this uncharted context, I propose future directions and offer questions to which leaders, scholars, and practitioners might begin seeking answers.