Essential Theory for Social Work Practice

Second Edition
Chris Beckett - University of East Anglia, UK
Nigel Horner - Lincoln University
Essential Theory for Social Work Practice
November 2015 | 288 pages | Sage UK
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Description

Focusing on what students really need to know, this book breaks down all of the key social work theory covered across a students' training, demystifying complex concepts by demonstrating their application to real-life practice. Multiple case studies highlight applied theory in different practice settings and across issues and challenges that students might face, while self-assessment exercises, practice notes, concise chapter summaries and discussion points help to consolidate their understanding.

New chapters bring the book right up to date and include Relationship-based Work, The Importance of Language, Political Perspectives and Environmental Intervention.

Written by two well-established and expert authors, this is the 'must-have' theory text for all social work students.

Contents

What This Book is About

  • Chapter 1: Introduction and Using This Book
  • Chapter 2: What Do We Mean by Social Work Theory?
  • Chapter 3: The Use and Abuse of Theory

Social Work Roles

  • Chapter 4: The Roles We Play
  • Chapter 5: Relationship-Based Work
  • Chapter 6: The Use of Authority and Power
  • Chapter 7: Advocacy and Empowerment
  • Chapter 8: Working with Others: Working in a Team
  • Chapter 9: Environmental Intervention

Past, Present and Future

  • Chapter 10: Which Way to Look?
  • Chapter 11: The Power of the Past
  • Chapter 12: Searching the Present
  • Chapter 13: Exploring the Future
  • Chapter 14: The Importance of Language
  • Chapter 15: Working with People towards becoming Unstuck

The Wider Context

  • Chapter 16: Systems and System Levels
  • Chapter 17: Families as Systems
  • Chapter 18: Groups and Communities
  • Chapter 19: Political Perspectives

It’s All Very Well in Theory...

  • Chapter 20: The Question of Evidence and the Problem of Uncertainty
  • Chapter 21: Talk and Substance
  • Chapter 22: The Limits of Theory
  • Chapter 23: Current Contexts and Contemporary Models of Social Work Practice

Description

Focusing on what students really need to know, this book breaks down all of the key social work theory covered across a students' training, demystifying complex concepts by demonstrating their application to real-life practice. Multiple case studies highlight applied theory in different practice settings and across issues and challenges that students might face, while self-assessment exercises, practice notes, concise chapter summaries and discussion points help to consolidate their understanding.

New chapters bring the book right up to date and include Relationship-based Work, The Importance of Language, Political Perspectives and Environmental Intervention.

Written by two well-established and expert authors, this is the 'must-have' theory text for all social work students.

Contents

What This Book is About

  • Chapter 1: Introduction and Using This Book
  • Chapter 2: What Do We Mean by Social Work Theory?
  • Chapter 3: The Use and Abuse of Theory

Social Work Roles

  • Chapter 4: The Roles We Play
  • Chapter 5: Relationship-Based Work
  • Chapter 6: The Use of Authority and Power
  • Chapter 7: Advocacy and Empowerment
  • Chapter 8: Working with Others: Working in a Team
  • Chapter 9: Environmental Intervention

Past, Present and Future

  • Chapter 10: Which Way to Look?
  • Chapter 11: The Power of the Past
  • Chapter 12: Searching the Present
  • Chapter 13: Exploring the Future
  • Chapter 14: The Importance of Language
  • Chapter 15: Working with People towards becoming Unstuck

The Wider Context

  • Chapter 16: Systems and System Levels
  • Chapter 17: Families as Systems
  • Chapter 18: Groups and Communities
  • Chapter 19: Political Perspectives

It’s All Very Well in Theory...

  • Chapter 20: The Question of Evidence and the Problem of Uncertainty
  • Chapter 21: Talk and Substance
  • Chapter 22: The Limits of Theory
  • Chapter 23: Current Contexts and Contemporary Models of Social Work Practice
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Essential Theory for Social Work Practice


November 2015 | 288 pages | Sage UK

Format Published Date ISBN Price

Focusing on what students really need to know, this book breaks down all of the key social work theory covered across a students' training, demystifying complex concepts by demonstrating their application to real-life practice. Multiple case studies highlight applied theory in different practice settings and across issues and challenges that students might face, while self-assessment exercises, practice notes, concise chapter summaries and discussion points help to consolidate their understanding.

New chapters bring the book right up to date and include Relationship-based Work, The Importance of Language, Political Perspectives and Environmental Intervention.

Written by two well-established and expert authors, this is the 'must-have' theory text for all social work students.


Table Of Contents:

  • What This Book is About
  • Chapter 1: Introduction and Using This Book
  • Chapter 2: What Do We Mean by Social Work Theory?
  • Chapter 3: The Use and Abuse of Theory
  • Social Work Roles
  • Chapter 4: The Roles We Play
  • Chapter 5: Relationship-Based Work
  • Chapter 6: The Use of Authority and Power
  • Chapter 7: Advocacy and Empowerment
  • Chapter 8: Working with Others: Working in a Team
  • Chapter 9: Environmental Intervention
  • Past, Present and Future
  • Chapter 10: Which Way to Look?
  • Chapter 11: The Power of the Past
  • Chapter 12: Searching the Present
  • Chapter 13: Exploring the Future
  • Chapter 14: The Importance of Language
  • Chapter 15: Working with People towards becoming Unstuck
  • The Wider Context
  • Chapter 16: Systems and System Levels
  • Chapter 17: Families as Systems
  • Chapter 18: Groups and Communities
  • Chapter 19: Political Perspectives
  • It’s All Very Well in Theory...
  • Chapter 20: The Question of Evidence and the Problem of Uncertainty
  • Chapter 21: Talk and Substance
  • Chapter 22: The Limits of Theory
  • Chapter 23: Current Contexts and Contemporary Models of Social Work Practice

Recent Product Reviews:

This book has many strengths and is highly recommended for those interested in social work. Firstly, it is written in a fluent and straightforward manner, making it easy for readers to understand the essential elements of social work and the relationship between theory and practice. Secondly, the authors re-examine the multiple roles of social workers, especially their control agent roles, offering a new perspective on social work’s function in advocacy and empowerment. Instead of solely performing the traditional role of caring, social work is urged to recognise its power and use it appropriately. The authors also establish theoretical connections among the past, the present and the future, inspiring readers to reflect on the development of social work in a global context. Lastly, the book includes various exercises and practice notes that are helpful for both social work teachers and students. It is an accessible resource for understanding social work and enhancing reflective and critical thinking. The book sheds light on the challenges of professional development faced by social work and reminds us of the importance of locating its identity in modern society amidst rapid changes in a vast policy agenda.
Shanshan Hong, Jimei University, China
the text book provides good information for our students to integrate theories into practice
Mr simon ng, Social Work, Gratia Christian College
Excellent book to help students relate theory to practice - a key aid in social work placements,.
Mr Richard Watts, Faculty of Health and Sciences, Staffordshire University

Recommendations