Student Social Work – serie

This fully revised new edition of Becoming a Social Worker is made up of entirely new stories. Providing a ‘glocal’ frame of reference, the book describes the personal and professional narratives of a diverse range of people working in social work in the UK, what brought them into the field and what has kept them in it ever since.The lively accounts reveal what it is like to be a social worker in a range of practice settings today and, at the same time, demonstrate that commitment and passion remain at the heart of social work. Some contributors will be recognised as people who have played a key part in shaping social work over the years; they provide insights into how the profession has developed over time. Other contributors, less well known but no less interesting, give a vivid account of the ongoing challenges that social work education and practice face, and the values that underpin social work. Social work is a demanding and difficult job that goes largely unseen within society. We only ever hear about social work and social workers when something goes wrong and a vulnerable adult or child is hurt. Becoming a Social Worker sets out to change that – to make social work visible, so that those considering a career in the caring professions across the world can make an informed choice about whether social work is the career for them. It is relevant for all induction courses at the beginning and prior to coming on social work programmes including all relevant HNC and HND courses as well as preparation for practice courses on all undergraduate and postgraduate social work programmes.

This book supports and develops the communication and interviewing skills of professional practitioners and student practitioners in social work, counselling, and the health professions.Combining work on personal and social constructs, the search for meaning, and ecological theory, this book both provides an integrated discussion of practice and presents a balanced approach when discussing psychological, biological, and social influences on individual well-being. Furthermore, it emphasises the influence of social contexts on behaviour and well-being, as well as valuing and encouraging the application of practitioners’ prior experience and learning (APEL) to new knowledge and understanding. Containing a range of practice examples to stimulate learning, this book promotes a collaboration between the professions, and welcomes the contributions of people who use services, patients, and clients.Communication and Interviewing Skills for Practice in Social Work, Counselling and the Health Professions will be of interest to all undergraduate and postgraduate social work students, as well as new and experienced professional health care practitioners.

This book explains different types of advocacy and the various ways in which advocacy is used in social work, making links with core social work concepts such as empowerment, safeguarding and rights. Tracing how the use of advocacy is mandated in professional social work guidance and codes of practice as well as in legislation such as the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, this book:• Explores definitions of advocacy, discusses what it can achieve and explains the different uses of advocacy in social work.• Covers the necessary knowledge, skills and values that social workers need in order to advocate effectively in their own practice.• Discusses critically what independent advocacy is and explains why it has become an integral part of contemporary social work. Examples are provided of where independent advocacy plays an important role in different areas of social work.• Explains what social workers need to know about working effectively with different types of advocates.• Encourages critical reflection on the relationship between social work and independent advocacy and flags debates and issues relating to the use of advocacy in social work.Aimed at social work students and social work professionals, this book provides an excellent introduction into a topic which is highly relevant to social work, using case-studies and activities to aid understanding.

This book explains different types of advocacy and the various ways in which advocacy is used in social work, making links with core social work concepts such as empowerment, safeguarding and rights. Tracing how the use of advocacy is mandated in professional social work guidance and codes of practice as well as in legislation such as the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, this book:• Explores definitions of advocacy, discusses what it can achieve and explains the different uses of advocacy in social work.• Covers the necessary knowledge, skills and values that social workers need in order to advocate effectively in their own practice.• Discusses critically what independent advocacy is and explains why it has become an integral part of contemporary social work. Examples are provided of where independent advocacy plays an important role in different areas of social work.• Explains what social workers need to know about working effectively with different types of advocates.• Encourages critical reflection on the relationship between social work and independent advocacy and flags debates and issues relating to the use of advocacy in social work.Aimed at social work students and social work professionals, this book provides an excellent introduction into a topic which is highly relevant to social work, using case-studies and activities to aid understanding.

How does a social work student make the connection between sociological knowledge and day-to-day social work? Sociology for Social Workers and Probation Officers provides an introduction to sociological ideas and research and places them firmly into the context of actual social work practice. It encourages readers to develop critical awareness and reach their own judgements about the usefulness and implications of holding certain conceptual positions and shows how social work can be better informed and improved by doing so. Fully revised and updated throughout, this second edition examines sociology in relation to key areas of social work and probation practice, and includes one new chapter. Areas covered are: Family Childhood Youth Community Care and Caring Health and Illness Crime.Essential reading for all social work and probation studies students, this text looks beyond individual and psychological explanations and solutions to develop a sociological knowledge base for social work practice.

How does a social work student make the connection between sociological knowledge and day-to-day social work? Sociology for Social Workers and Probation Officers provides an introduction to sociological ideas and research and places them firmly into the context of actual social work practice. It encourages readers to develop critical awareness and reach their own judgements about the usefulness and implications of holding certain conceptual positions and shows how social work can be better informed and improved by doing so. Fully revised and updated throughout, this second edition examines sociology in relation to key areas of social work and probation practice, and includes one new chapter. Areas covered are: Family Childhood Youth Community Care and Caring Health and Illness Crime.Essential reading for all social work and probation studies students, this text looks beyond individual and psychological explanations and solutions to develop a sociological knowledge base for social work practice.

All social work students study theory and undertake practice placements. Integrating the two – so that each informs the other – is both essential and notoriously tricky. This accessible book demystifies the process and offers helpful evidence-based strategies for doing it successfully.Structured around different approaches to learning, Integrating Social Work Theory and Practice covers: Adult and student centred learning Learning and teaching techniques and assessment methods How to locate and identify theory How to critically analyse theory Key theoretical concepts in social science Issues surrounding anti-oppressive theory and practice Methods of intervention Integrating theory and practice in academic work and on placements. This essential text helps students to identify, critically analyse and apply theory appropriately, enhancing their practice. It will be useful to all social work students struggling with the theory-practice gap.

All social work students study theory and undertake practice placements. Integrating the two – so that each informs the other – is both essential and notoriously tricky. This accessible book demystifies the process and offers helpful evidence-based strategies for doing it successfully.Structured around different approaches to learning, Integrating Social Work Theory and Practice covers: Adult and student centred learning Learning and teaching techniques and assessment methods How to locate and identify theory How to critically analyse theory Key theoretical concepts in social science Issues surrounding anti-oppressive theory and practice Methods of intervention Integrating theory and practice in academic work and on placements. This essential text helps students to identify, critically analyse and apply theory appropriately, enhancing their practice. It will be useful to all social work students struggling with the theory-practice gap.

Placements can be one of the most exciting parts of your social work training but also one of the most daunting. This Guide will help you to make the most of your practice learning opportunities.The guide highlights how you can make the most of your placement, as well as anticipating some of the problem areas and pitfalls to avoid. It covers: preparing for your placement getting to grips with placement documentation understanding how and what you might learn on placement integrating theory with practice non-traditional placements anticipating difficulties and dealing with them getting the best from assessment and evaluation. Using a cast of ‘fellow travellers’ – students, work-based supervisors, practice educators and college tutors – to illustrate issues raised, the Guide is accessible and contains plenty of case studies. It is the ideal book for anyone wanting to make sure their placement goes as well as possible, whether they are a student or a supervisor.

Placements can be one of the most exciting parts of your social work training but also one of the most daunting. This Guide will help you to make the most of your practice learning opportunities.The guide highlights how you can make the most of your placement, as well as anticipating some of the problem areas and pitfalls to avoid. It covers: preparing for your placement getting to grips with placement documentation understanding how and what you might learn on placement integrating theory with practice non-traditional placements anticipating difficulties and dealing with them getting the best from assessment and evaluation. Using a cast of ‘fellow travellers’ – students, work-based supervisors, practice educators and college tutors – to illustrate issues raised, the Guide is accessible and contains plenty of case studies. It is the ideal book for anyone wanting to make sure their placement goes as well as possible, whether they are a student or a supervisor.

Law and ethics are two vital aspects of social work – all social workers need to practise according to the law and their codes of ethics and conduct. However, the relationship between the law and social work values and ethics is not without its tensions and this book takes a problem-based approach to explore the dilemmas and challenges that can arise. The first part of the book sets out frameworks for thinking about the law and ethics, and how they relate to social work. It also introduces some of the big philosophical and sociological questions about the purposes of law and of ethics and how they relate to society more generally. In the second part, the book explores a series of areas where profound dilemmas arise – such as end-of-life decisions, respecting peoples’ choices but ensuring their safety and that of others, responsibility and blame, making allowance for different cultural traditions and breaking confidentiality. In each of the problem-based chapters, this accessible text: outlines the relevant law discusses court judgments in leading cases considers the implications of different ethical frameworks pulls out key ethical questions and challenges for social work. Social Work, Law and Ethics highlights what the law says and what it offers, what ethical principles are at stake, and what these imply for social work policy and practice. In this way, it uses real-life scenarios to analyse the dynamic interactions of social work, law and ethics. It is essential reading for all social work students.

Law and ethics are two vital aspects of social work – all social workers need to practise according to the law and their codes of ethics and conduct. However, the relationship between the law and social work values and ethics is not without its tensions and this book takes a problem-based approach to explore the dilemmas and challenges that can arise. The first part of the book sets out frameworks for thinking about the law and ethics, and how they relate to social work. It also introduces some of the big philosophical and sociological questions about the purposes of law and of ethics and how they relate to society more generally. In the second part, the book explores a series of areas where profound dilemmas arise – such as end-of-life decisions, respecting peoples’ choices but ensuring their safety and that of others, responsibility and blame, making allowance for different cultural traditions and breaking confidentiality. In each of the problem-based chapters, this accessible text: outlines the relevant law discusses court judgments in leading cases considers the implications of different ethical frameworks pulls out key ethical questions and challenges for social work. Social Work, Law and Ethics highlights what the law says and what it offers, what ethical principles are at stake, and what these imply for social work policy and practice. In this way, it uses real-life scenarios to analyse the dynamic interactions of social work, law and ethics. It is essential reading for all social work students.

Trying to understand how the world looks through the eyes of individuals and groups and how it shapes the ways they think and act is something social workers do all the time. It is what social theorists do too. This book identifies and explains in a highly accessible manner the absolute value of social theory for social work. Drawing on the theoretical ideas and perspectives of a wide range of classical and modern social theorists, the book demonstrates the insights their work can bring to bear on a wide range of social work practice scenarios, issues and debates.Departing with the work of the classical theorists, the book covers a diverse range of theoretical traditions including phenomenology, symbolic interactionism, Norbert Elias, Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu, feminism and globalization theory. Putting to work ideas from these different perspectives, a range of social work scenarios, issues and debates are opened up and explored. The final chapter brings together the various theoretical strands, and critically considers the contribution they can make towards realizing core social work values in a rapidly globalizing world.Demonstrating exactly how and in what ways social theory can make important and enduring contributions to social work, Social Theory for Social Work is essentialial reading for social work students, practitioners and professionals alike.

Trying to understand how the world looks through the eyes of individuals and groups and how it shapes the ways they think and act is something social workers do all the time. It is what social theorists do too. This book identifies and explains in a highly accessible manner the absolute value of social theory for social work. Drawing on the theoretical ideas and perspectives of a wide range of classical and modern social theorists, the book demonstrates the insights their work can bring to bear on a wide range of social work practice scenarios, issues and debates.Departing with the work of the classical theorists, the book covers a diverse range of theoretical traditions including phenomenology, symbolic interactionism, Norbert Elias, Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu, feminism and globalization theory. Putting to work ideas from these different perspectives, a range of social work scenarios, issues and debates are opened up and explored. The final chapter brings together the various theoretical strands, and critically considers the contribution they can make towards realizing core social work values in a rapidly globalizing world.Demonstrating exactly how and in what ways social theory can make important and enduring contributions to social work, Social Theory for Social Work is essentialial reading for social work students, practitioners and professionals alike.

Building on the successful 1st edition, this reader brings together some of the most significant ideas that have informed social work practice over the last fifty years. At the same time as presenting these foundational extracts, the book includes commentaries that allow the reader to understand the selected extracts on their own terms as well as to be aware of their relations to each other and to the wider social work context. There is no settled view or easy consensus about what social work is and should be, and the ideas reflected in this volume are themselves diverse and complex. The world of social work has changed greatly over the last ten years, and this new edition reflects that change with new material on the decolonisation of social work knowledges, the greater emphasis on inter-disciplinarity and co-production and the new concern for identities. With an accessible introduction to contextualise the selections, the book is divided into three main sections, each presenting key texts drawn from a wide range of perspectives: psychological, sociological, philosophical, educational and political, as well as perspectives that are grounded in the experiences of practitioners and those who use services, which have contributed to the development of:the profession of social workknowledge and values for social work andpractice in social work. By providing students and practitioners with an easy way into reading first-hand some of the most interesting, foundational texts of the subject, it will be required reading for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and professionals undertaking post-qualifying training.

Building on the successful 1st edition, this reader brings together some of the most significant ideas that have informed social work practice over the last fifty years. At the same time as presenting these foundational extracts, the book includes commentaries that allow the reader to understand the selected extracts on their own terms as well as to be aware of their relations to each other and to the wider social work context. There is no settled view or easy consensus about what social work is and should be, and the ideas reflected in this volume are themselves diverse and complex. The world of social work has changed greatly over the last ten years, and this new edition reflects that change with new material on the decolonisation of social work knowledges, the greater emphasis on inter-disciplinarity and co-production and the new concern for identities. With an accessible introduction to contextualise the selections, the book is divided into three main sections, each presenting key texts drawn from a wide range of perspectives: psychological, sociological, philosophical, educational and political, as well as perspectives that are grounded in the experiences of practitioners and those who use services, which have contributed to the development of:the profession of social workknowledge and values for social work andpractice in social work. By providing students and practitioners with an easy way into reading first-hand some of the most interesting, foundational texts of the subject, it will be required reading for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and professionals undertaking post-qualifying training.

This new edition of Mental Health Social Work in Context continues to be an authoritative, evidence-based introduction to a core area of the social work curriculum. Grounded in the social models of mental health particularly relevant to qualifying social workers, but also intended to familiarise students with social aspects of medical perspectives, this core text helps to prepare students for practice and to develop their knowledge around:• promoting the social inclusion of people with mental health problems;• the changing context of multidisciplinary mental health services;• an integrated evidence base for practice; and• working with people with mental health problems across the life course.Including new material on proposed reforms to mental health and mental capacity legislation, this book also contains major revisions that focus on the statutory and policy contexts of social work practice as well as ongoing changes in the organisational frameworks for the delivery of services and implications for the social work role. This fully updated third edition is an essential textbook for all social work students taking undergraduate and postgraduate qualifying degrees, and it will also be invaluable for practitioners undertaking post-qualifying awards in mental health social work.

This new edition of Mental Health Social Work in Context continues to be an authoritative, evidence-based introduction to a core area of the social work curriculum. Grounded in the social models of mental health particularly relevant to qualifying social workers, but also intended to familiarise students with social aspects of medical perspectives, this core text helps to prepare students for practice and to develop their knowledge around:• promoting the social inclusion of people with mental health problems;• the changing context of multidisciplinary mental health services;• an integrated evidence base for practice; and• working with people with mental health problems across the life course.Including new material on proposed reforms to mental health and mental capacity legislation, this book also contains major revisions that focus on the statutory and policy contexts of social work practice as well as ongoing changes in the organisational frameworks for the delivery of services and implications for the social work role. This fully updated third edition is an essential textbook for all social work students taking undergraduate and postgraduate qualifying degrees, and it will also be invaluable for practitioners undertaking post-qualifying awards in mental health social work.

This fully revised new edition of Becoming a Social Worker is made up of entirely new stories. Providing a ‘glocal’ frame of reference, the book describes the personal and professional narratives of a diverse range of people working in social work in the UK, what brought them into the field and what has kept them in it ever since.The lively accounts reveal what it is like to be a social worker in a range of practice settings today and, at the same time, demonstrate that commitment and passion remain at the heart of social work. Some contributors will be recognised as people who have played a key part in shaping social work over the years; they provide insights into how the profession has developed over time. Other contributors, less well known but no less interesting, give a vivid account of the ongoing challenges that social work education and practice face, and the values that underpin social work. Social work is a demanding and difficult job that goes largely unseen within society. We only ever hear about social work and social workers when something goes wrong and a vulnerable adult or child is hurt. Becoming a Social Worker sets out to change that – to make social work visible, so that those considering a career in the caring professions across the world can make an informed choice about whether social work is the career for them. It is relevant for all induction courses at the beginning and prior to coming on social work programmes including all relevant HNC and HND courses as well as preparation for practice courses on all undergraduate and postgraduate social work programmes.

Social Work Practice with People with Dementia critically discusses the cultural and discursive contexts in which social work with dementia takes place. This is because how we think about dementia influences how we treat people living with the condition. The book also explains the demographic context that has made dementia a global public health priority in recent years. The different forms of dementia are discussed in a way that is accessible to a non-medical readership. The book discusses the different settings and circumstances in which social work with people with dementia and their carers takes place and examines the chief elements of the social work role. In doing this, it explains the professional knowledge, skills and values that social workers need in order to practice effectively in this area of growing importance. Part of this is appreciating how approaches to dementia care have evolved over time. In this context, the book discusses how the dominant bio-medical model has been challenged by person-centred and rights-based approaches. As a key part of social work is to offer people choices, the book provides information about a wide range of health, social care and other services that are available, whilst also highlighting the gaps that exist for different groups and in different areas. Case studies and activities help the reader apply theory to practice.Social Work Practice with People with Dementia will be of particular interest to social work students and early career social workers, primarily in a UK context. However, it contains much relevant information about dementia and dementia practice for anyone involved with adult health and social care both in the UK and around the world.

Social Work Practice with People with Dementia critically discusses the cultural and discursive contexts in which social work with dementia takes place. This is because how we think about dementia influences how we treat people living with the condition. The book also explains the demographic context that has made dementia a global public health priority in recent years. The different forms of dementia are discussed in a way that is accessible to a non-medical readership. The book discusses the different settings and circumstances in which social work with people with dementia and their carers takes place and examines the chief elements of the social work role. In doing this, it explains the professional knowledge, skills and values that social workers need in order to practice effectively in this area of growing importance. Part of this is appreciating how approaches to dementia care have evolved over time. In this context, the book discusses how the dominant bio-medical model has been challenged by person-centred and rights-based approaches. As a key part of social work is to offer people choices, the book provides information about a wide range of health, social care and other services that are available, whilst also highlighting the gaps that exist for different groups and in different areas. Case studies and activities help the reader apply theory to practice.Social Work Practice with People with Dementia will be of particular interest to social work students and early career social workers, primarily in a UK context. However, it contains much relevant information about dementia and dementia practice for anyone involved with adult health and social care both in the UK and around the world.

Drawing on the expertise of researchers, educators, practitioners, and those with lived experience of accessing social work and social care services, this book presents both an objective and practice relevant overview of strengths-based practice in the UK and international examples of strengths-based practice being applied in other contexts. The potential benefits for individuals, families, and communities of social work adopting a strengths-based approach in adult social work and social care are widely recognised across the four nations of the UK. Despite this, there remains much uncertainty about what good strengths-based approaches are, and how they can be practically supported in practice, policy, and research. Presenting a contemporary picture of how strengths-based practice is understood within a UK social work and social care context within each of the home nations, this book draws on the latest research and practice knowledge to discuss and critique the impacts and implementation of the main strength-based models. Drawing on learning from other countries and practice within children’s services, it also reflects on the theoretical thinking which underpins strengths perspectives and identifies future challenges and opportunities within adult social work and social care in the UK.It will be of interest to all scholars, students, and practitioners of social work and social care across all four nations of the UK, and those from other countries who are interested in international learning.

Drawing on the expertise of researchers, educators, practitioners, and those with lived experience of accessing social work and social care services, this book presents both an objective and practice relevant overview of strengths-based practice in the UK and international examples of strengths-based practice being applied in other contexts. The potential benefits for individuals, families, and communities of social work adopting a strengths-based approach in adult social work and social care are widely recognised across the four nations of the UK. Despite this, there remains much uncertainty about what good strengths-based approaches are, and how they can be practically supported in practice, policy, and research. Presenting a contemporary picture of how strengths-based practice is understood within a UK social work and social care context within each of the home nations, this book draws on the latest research and practice knowledge to discuss and critique the impacts and implementation of the main strength-based models. Drawing on learning from other countries and practice within children’s services, it also reflects on the theoretical thinking which underpins strengths perspectives and identifies future challenges and opportunities within adult social work and social care in the UK.It will be of interest to all scholars, students, and practitioners of social work and social care across all four nations of the UK, and those from other countries who are interested in international learning.

Shelter is a basic human requirement, yet housing in the UK has increasingly been perceived as an asset rather than the secure base everyone requires for their basic physical and mental health needs and well-being.This book examines how all types of housing have become precarious for many service users with whom social workers will engage and makes some suggestions regarding action and best practice. Showing how people become homeless and the difficulties finding a way out of this, the housing options for specific populations including care leavers, those with disabilities, families, and older people will be examined. All this will be framed in the context of social work practice, building practitioner knowledge and confidence around an area that affects everyone but the significance of which is sometimes underexamined in holistic assessments. Packed with reflective examples and case studies, each chapter also includes a "tuning in" exercise to help prepare the reader for what the chapter will tackle, with concluding thoughts on these exercises at the chapter end.This book is suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate social work students as they begin to think of more specialised areas of work in their second or subsequent years, as well as social work practitioners, who will be increasingly aware of the pressures of housing costs on those with whom they work.

Shelter is a basic human requirement, yet housing in the UK has increasingly been perceived as an asset rather than the secure base everyone requires for their basic physical and mental health needs and well-being.This book examines how all types of housing have become precarious for many service users with whom social workers will engage and makes some suggestions regarding action and best practice. Showing how people become homeless and the difficulties finding a way out of this, the housing options for specific populations including care leavers, those with disabilities, families, and older people will be examined. All this will be framed in the context of social work practice, building practitioner knowledge and confidence around an area that affects everyone but the significance of which is sometimes underexamined in holistic assessments. Packed with reflective examples and case studies, each chapter also includes a "tuning in" exercise to help prepare the reader for what the chapter will tackle, with concluding thoughts on these exercises at the chapter end.This book is suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate social work students as they begin to think of more specialised areas of work in their second or subsequent years, as well as social work practitioners, who will be increasingly aware of the pressures of housing costs on those with whom they work.

This introduction to social work with children and young people who are looked after (in care or accommodated) by statutory or voluntary agencies is the only textbook on the subject which addresses this area of work across all four nations of the UK.Providing a clear theoretical and ethical basis, it introduces and develops a set of core themes, reflective of contemporary developments including: • the influence of, and tensions between, dominant discourses that shape the social work service (relationship-based practice, early intervention and prevention, social innovation, evidence-based practice and outcomes); • the use and abuse of concepts of ‘children’s needs’ and ‘best interests’; • ideas of parenting and parental responsibility, and the relationships between children, families, communities and the state; • the importance of recognising that children and young people have rights and considering their views; • trauma, trauma-informed practice, transitions and resilience.With chapters addressing a sequence of topics – assessment and planning, residential and foster care, leaving care, and permanence – there is a specific focus on working with disabled children, children from minority ethnic communities, and marginalised groups of children and young people, including refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQIA+ children and those who have been trafficked.Packed full of useful pedagogical features, including material on the legal and policy context, summaries of research evidence, notes for good practice, group teaching exercises, references to legislation and guidance, and guides to further reading, it will be core reading on any child and family care modules, general preparation for practice courses, Frontline, Step Up, as well as for all social work practitioners.

This introduction to social work with children and young people who are looked after (in care or accommodated) by statutory or voluntary agencies is the only textbook on the subject which addresses this area of work across all four nations of the UK.Providing a clear theoretical and ethical basis, it introduces and develops a set of core themes, reflective of contemporary developments including: • the influence of, and tensions between, dominant discourses that shape the social work service (relationship-based practice, early intervention and prevention, social innovation, evidence-based practice and outcomes); • the use and abuse of concepts of ‘children’s needs’ and ‘best interests’; • ideas of parenting and parental responsibility, and the relationships between children, families, communities and the state; • the importance of recognising that children and young people have rights and considering their views; • trauma, trauma-informed practice, transitions and resilience.With chapters addressing a sequence of topics – assessment and planning, residential and foster care, leaving care, and permanence – there is a specific focus on working with disabled children, children from minority ethnic communities, and marginalised groups of children and young people, including refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQIA+ children and those who have been trafficked.Packed full of useful pedagogical features, including material on the legal and policy context, summaries of research evidence, notes for good practice, group teaching exercises, references to legislation and guidance, and guides to further reading, it will be core reading on any child and family care modules, general preparation for practice courses, Frontline, Step Up, as well as for all social work practitioners.

Trying to understand how the world looks through the eyes of individuals and groups and how it shapes the ways they think and act is something social workers do all the time. It is what social theorists do too. This book identifies and explains in a highly accessible manner the absolute value of social theory for social work. Drawing on the theoretical ideas and perspectives of a wide range of classical and modern social theorists, the book demonstrates the insights their work can bring to bear on a wide range of social work practice scenarios, issues and debates.Departing with the work of the classical theorists, the book covers a diverse range of theoretical traditions including phenomenology, symbolic interactionism, Norbert Elias, Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu, feminism and globalization theory. Putting to work ideas from these different perspectives, a range of social work scenarios, issues and debates are opened up and explored. The final chapter brings together the various theoretical strands, and critically considers the contribution they can make towards realizing core social work values in a rapidly globalizing world.Demonstrating exactly how and in what ways social theory can make important and enduring contributions to social work, Social Theory for Social Work is essentialial reading for social work students, practitioners and professionals alike.

Trying to understand how the world looks through the eyes of individuals and groups and how it shapes the ways they think and act is something social workers do all the time. It is what social theorists do too. This book identifies and explains in a highly accessible manner the absolute value of social theory for social work. Drawing on the theoretical ideas and perspectives of a wide range of classical and modern social theorists, the book demonstrates the insights their work can bring to bear on a wide range of social work practice scenarios, issues and debates.Departing with the work of the classical theorists, the book covers a diverse range of theoretical traditions including phenomenology, symbolic interactionism, Norbert Elias, Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu, feminism and globalization theory. Putting to work ideas from these different perspectives, a range of social work scenarios, issues and debates are opened up and explored. The final chapter brings together the various theoretical strands, and critically considers the contribution they can make towards realizing core social work values in a rapidly globalizing world.Demonstrating exactly how and in what ways social theory can make important and enduring contributions to social work, Social Theory for Social Work is essentialial reading for social work students, practitioners and professionals alike.