This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the diverse and contested world of social work. It explores the key concepts and theoretical frameworks underpinning contemporary social work practice, as well as relevant professional skills and strategies from a critical perspective. In a rapidly changing world, it locates critical social work as a part of broader and ongoing struggles for social justice and human rights. Readers are encouraged to think about what social work is or should be, and what sort of social worker they would like to become. The book covers a broad range of topics, including the history and development of social work as a profession, values and ethics, theories for practice, and the fields and context of practice. Definitions of key terms, reflective exercises and case studies are integrated throughout the text. Written by a diverse team of experienced educators, this is a stimulating, rigorous and student-friendly resource.
• Provides an integrated critical perspective which is currently lacking in texts on introductory social work • Relevant to students, recent graduates and experienced practitioners alike • Encourages the reader to challenge dominant social discourses and to consider their personal values, biases and assumptions
Contents
Foreword Jim Ife; 1. The critical potential of social work; 2. Where in the world are we? The contexts of practice; 3. What can we do? A critical response to social contexts; 4. How did we get here? The history of critical social work; 5. Values and ethics for critical practice; 6. Theories for practice; 7. Social work practice; 8. Missing voices and working across difference; 9. Fields of practice; 10. Challenges and opportunities for critical social work reconstructing an emancipatory future; Glossary.
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