Description
Book SynopsisThis 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 edition has been comprehensively updated to reflect developments in the contexts and theorising of social work practices. 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:- New sections on post-humanism and eco-social work- Coverage of a broader range o
Trade Review‘The third edition shows her leading contribution to and engagement with professional and academic social work.’ * Professor Siv Oltedal, University of Stavanger, Norway *
“As a teacher who has used this text in the classroom over many years, I am very pleased to recommend the third edition of Social Work Theories in Context. Karen communicates complex foundational ideas and theories for social work in straightforward ways along with case examples, which I believe is essential for students anticipating their placements in the near future.” * Dr. Tina Kostecki, Victoria University, Australia *
'A classic text is now even better. Karen Healy's third edition enriches a student's appreciation of the complexity and importance of contexts by linking critical theories within a dynamic practice approach.' * Professor Carmen Perillo, York University, Canada *
'Healy’s book, Social Work Theories in Context, is an essential tool for social work students and practitioners and provides important insights on critical and contemporary theories and perspectives while highlighting their relevance to current issues.' * Dr. Patrina Duhaney, University of Calgary, Canada *
Table of ContentsList of Figures and Tables Preface Acknowledgements Part 1 Introduction 1 Understanding our Context 2 A Dynamic Model of Practice
Part 2 Discourses Shaping Practice Contexts 3 Dominant Discourses in Health and Welfare: Biomedicine and neoliberalism. 4 Behavioural and Social Science Discourses: ‘Psy’ and Sociological Ideas in Social Work 5 Alternative Discourses: Citizen Rights, Religion and Spirituality, and Environmental Social Work
Part 3 Social Work Theories for Practice 6 Four Waves of Systems Theories: From General Systems Theory to Ecosocial Work. 7 Problem-solving Approaches: Focusing on Task-centred Practice 8 Relationship-based, Strengths and Solution-focused Practice 9 Modern Critical Social Work: Addressing Structural Contexts 10 ‘Post-Theories': Postmodern, Poststructural and Postcolonial Approaches. 11 Creating Frameworks for Practice
Bibliography Index
