Participatory economics and mental health

Social Workers have a broad task in front of them. They are not only asked to help their own clients but are tasked with enhancing human wellbeing in general. This has always led to questions of economic systems and what effect they might be having on people. This paper will explore the effects that economic systems have on mental health. First will be a review of what the literature has to say about capitalism and its effects. Because socialism is so widely considered an alternative to capitalism, the paper will briefly describe the effects of that system as well. Finally the paper will offer an alternative theoretical model, Participatory Economics, and explore ways that that system addresses some of the mental health issues that come up within socialism and capitalism