Radical Environmentalism and the Ecological Self

This analysis explores current, Western conceptualizations of self-identity, contrasts these with ideas of self from earlier epochs and suggests that an emerging cultural transition is leading to a new sense of self-an ecological self. The new self does not ignore identification with nonhuman beings and nature, as conventional conceptualizations have so often done. Rather, it suggests that nature constitutes both the beginning and the ongoing essence of full human development and potential. This analysis explores the contribution of radical en-vironmentalism to the evolution of the ecological self and suggests potential implications and practice applications for social work practitioners. Wilderness practice is discussed as an important practice strategy for social workers to consider in helping clients realize their ecological self-identity.