Social Work Social Justice Human Rights

The second edition of this popular social work practice text more fully addresses the connection between social justice and human rights.

Social workers take pride in their commitment to social and economic justice, peace, and human rights, and in their responses to related inequalities and social problems. At a time when economic globalization, armed conflict, and ecological devastation continue to undermine human rights and the possibilities for social justice, the need for linking a structural analysis to social work practice is greater than ever. The second edition of this popular social work practice text more fully addresses the connection between social justice and human rights. It includes a discussion of social work's role in promoting peace and responding to environmental problems. It also places a greater attention on the links between social work theories/concepts and practice skill/responses. The text has been updated and revised throughout with four new chapters: social work and human rights, cultural competence and practice with immigrant communities, social work and mental health communities, and practice with couples and families. Detailed case studies demonstrate the integration of theory, policy, and practice.

"Human Rights and Social Justice in a Global Perspective: An introduction to international social work provides an updated introduction to a variety of social issues in the Global South, including AIDS, human trafficking, as well as refugees and asylum seekers. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as other UN human rights documents, is used as a framework to examine examples of social injustice and human rights violations. The issues are examined in their cultural contexts to help the reader understand how they developed and why they persist. Each chapter for a particular issue ends in a "Culture Box" which offers an in-depth look at the issue in a particular country, enabling the reader to gain a deeper understanding of how culture impacts the development of social issues. Interventions based on the human rights-based approach are integrated throughout the book. Suggestions for effecting change, both in one's personal as well as professional life are listed for each chapter and an Appendix offers a variety of resources for engaging in international social work"--

Now in its third edition, Human Rights and Social Work explores how the principles of human rights inform contemporary social work practice. Jim Ife considers the implications of social work's traditional Enlightenment heritage and the possibilities of 'post-Enlightenment' practice in a way that is accessible, direct and engaging. The world has changed significantly since the publication of the first edition in 2000 and this book is situated firmly within the context of present-day debates, concerns and crises. Ife covers the importance of relating human rights to the non-human world, as well as the consequences of political and ecological uncertainty. Featuring examples, further readings and a glossary, readers are able to identify and investigate the important issues and questions arising from human rights and social work. Now more than ever, Human Rights and Social Work is an indispensable resource for students, scholars and practitioners alike.

By using human rights as a guidepost, social workers can help create social welfare policies that better serve societal needs. However, in applying human rights to contemporary situations, social workers often encounter challenges that require thinking outside the box. Bringing together provocative essays from a diverse range of authors, Elisabeth Reichert demonstrates how approaching social work from a human rights perspective can profoundly affect legislation, resource management, and enforcement of policies. Topics include the reconciliation of cultural relativism with universal human rights; the debate over whether human rights truly promote economic and social development or simply allow economically developed societies to exploit underdeveloped countries; the role of gender in the practice of human rights; the tendency to promote political and civil rights over economic and social rights; and the surprising connection between the social work and legal professions.

This book offers a much-needed critical overview of the concept of social justice and its application in professional social work practice. Social justice has a rich conceptual genealogy in critical theory and political philosophy. For students, teachers and social workers concerned with empowerment, social change and human rights, this book provides a guide to the key ideas and thinkers, crucial historical developments and contemporary debates about social justice. It synthesises interdisciplinary knowledge and offers a new framework for practice, including a clear and practical exposition of four domains of skills and knowledge important for social justice informed social work. The book also contributes to social work pedagogy by offering a comprehensive set of learning outcomes that can be used to design curriculum, teaching and learning, and further research into social justice praxis. This book provides a range of philosophical and critical perspectives to support and inform social work professional knowledge and skills. In its tight knitting together of theory and practice this book links philosophical and moral principles with an understanding of how to engage with social justice in a way that is relevant to social work.

Social Work and Human Rights has become a standard text highlighting the role of social work in protecting the rights of vulnerable populations. Through rigorous analysis, classroom exercises, and a frank discussion of the implications for practice both within and outside of the United States, the volume effectively acquaints readers with the political, economic, and social dimensions of rights issues and the documents that guarantee them. New material covers international events, such as the United Nations' Millennium Declaration (2000) and its effort to reduce the poverty and suffering of billions worldwide. The volume now emphasizes cultural rights and includes a probing lesson in cultural relativism. It turns a critical eye toward the failure in the United States to address social welfare issues and its reluctance to rectify policies favoring one group over another. Praise for the first edition: "A human rights compass--a preliminary guide for the translation of human rights for social workers.... It is to be welcomed."--European Journal of Social Work "Foundation documents provide an essential tool for understanding the issues and applying the understanding to concrete social policy advocacy and action."--Canadian Association of Social Workers Bulletin "This is a text which is overdue for social work students and faculty."--Rosemary Link, coauthor of Human Behavior in a Just World: Reaching for Common Ground "Reichert makes human rights concepts come alive. Practice case examples and human rights analysis of the National Association of Social Worker's Code of Ethics are particularly valuable in orienting the reader to the domestic practice applications of the global human rights movement."--Lynne M. Healy, author of International Social Work: Professional Action in an Interdependent World

"Social workers take pride in their commitment to social and economic justice, peace, and human rights and in their responses to related inequalities and social problems. The urgency of this kind of commitment increases as economic globalization, armed conflict, and ecological devastation continue to undermine human rights and the possibilities for social justice. The second edition of this popular social work text more fully addresses social justice and human rights and includes a discussion of the role of social work in promoting peace and responding to the environmental problems facing humanity. New chapters have been added on human rights, social work with immigrants and refugees, social work and mental health, and supporting couples and families. Detailed case studies throughout demonstrate the integration of theory and practice."--Publisher's website.