Social Work In Context

All social work activity is influenced by the society in which it takes place. It is therefore inescapable that understanding sociology should help social workers to make a more effective contribution to people's welfare. The different perspectives which constitute sociology are examined and the book analyses the ways peoples' lives are powerfully influenced by social forces and 'social problems'. It is argued that sociology should help social workers to examine their assumptions and value judgements and develop their capacity to be questioning and discriminating about their methods and the policies which affect them and their clients.

This popular and innovative core text book explores contemporary social work theories and perspectives in a systematic way, using an integrated and flexible framework to link context, theory, and practice approaches. Healy expertly provides an applied guide to social work theory across a range of organisational contexts, showing social work as a diverse activity that is profoundly shaped by professional purpose, public policy, and practice locations. This is ideal reading to support and develop undergraduate and postgraduate students taking modules on Social Work Theories and Methods on qualifying professional programmes. Its international breadth and supportive pedagogical features have ensured the book's value to students of social work all over the world. New to this Edition: - A greater focus on service user perspectives - Coverage is extended to include solution focused therapy and empowerment theories as well as discussion of the evidence-based practice debate - Discussion of the use and limits of critical reflection in practice

This ground breaking book is an innovative, passionate and provocative exploration of intersectionality. The sustained emphasis on activism and practice reasserts the potency of intersectionality borne out of Black feminism. The rare and pioneering international reach of this book crosses four continents. In this book context matters: there is no intersectionality without context! Resting on the premise that we cannot work for the liberation of individuals, communities and societies without intersectionality, this book asks: How does intersectionality challenge the structures and discourses of social work education, management and organisation? What is the revolutionary potential of intersectionality? Intersectional in its method and content, the blend of practice, activism, research and theory troubles geopolitical and disciplinary boundaries. The range of topics include: Islamophobia, immigration, feminist movements, social work education, violence against women and girls, gender, sexuality, race, disability, age, religion, nationality, citizenship policy and legal frameworks. This book will appeal to activists for social justice, social work practitioners, researchers, lecturers, students and those working in the field of Black feminist thinking. The focus on the activism of intersectionality provides a clear pathway into Black feminist thinking and its application to social work internationally and to emancipatory collective political activism worldwide.

Social Work in a Global Context engages with, and critically explores, key issues that inform social work practice around the world. Social work can take many forms, and is differently understood in different parts of the world. However, at base, it can be seen as a profession which strives to advance the causes of the vulnerable and marginalised with the aim of promoting social justice, equality, and human rights. This text provides examples of social work in a wide range of countries, informing our understanding of what social work is. It looks at how practice changes or stays the same, and at the impact of policy, as experienced by service users as well as by practitioners working in challenging circumstances. It also meaningfully reflects on the strengths and challenges that are enabled by diversity. Divided into four parts, this wide-ranging text discusses: - what social work means in four different countries -some examples of the impact social and political context can have on social work practice - how social workers see and work with the vulnerable - the future for social work, from disaster work to involving service users. Social Work in a Global Context is the first truly international book for all those interested in comparative and cross-cultural understandings of social work.

How is social work shaped by global issues and international problems and how should it address them? This book employs a radical perspective to examine international social work. Globalisation had opened up many issues for social work, including how to address global inequalities, the impact of global economic problems and trends towards neoliberalism. By examining the origins of modern social work, problematising its definition and addressing the care/control dichotomy the book reveals what we can learn from different approaches and projects across the globe. Case studies from the UK, the US, Canada, Spain, Latin America, Australia, Hungary and Greece bring the text to life and allow both students and practitioners to apply theory to practice.

Taking account of the political, economic and cultural changes that have impacted on social work over recent years, this book explores the challenges and presents the realities of practice. Using an international range of examples, McDonald makes an important contribution to the ongoing debate about the character and purpose of social work.

Medical social work in Singapore traces its roots to the post-war period. This textbook documents the historical development and evolution of the medical social work profession in Singapore, as well as the specialist work done in the profession.The first part of the book gives an overview to the field in Singapore. It provides information which is considered as fundamental and core to medical social workers across the various medical or healthcare settings. The second part focuses on the selected practice areas and adopts an integral approach to discuss theory and practice.This book is essential for social work students who wish to learn from a range of examples of good social work practice, presented from human developmental perspectives and in sufficient breadth to provide a reasonable overview of social work practice in health care. This book also provides added lens for medical, nursing and other allied health students and practitioners who wish to better understand their patients and families.

Social Work: Contexts and Practice is a comprehensive introduction to the field of social work. Now in its third edition, it continues to speak to both Australia and Aotearoa, addressing common trans-Tasman concerns while at the same time responding to the unique experiences of social work within each country. The book is divided into three broad sections: Part 1 explores the context of practice and the broad-ranging influences that shape the profession, particularly its vision and development; Part 2 then considers the diverse fields of practice in which social workers find employment; and Part 3 looks at the professional developments that both support and challenge social workers.