Policy Press

Critical Theory for Social Work

A Simple Introduction

By Joe Whelan

Published

Jan 7, 2025

Page count

160 pages

ISBN

978-1447371687

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 7, 2025

Page count

160 pages

ISBN

978-1447371694

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Critical Theory for Social Work

Covering a range of important social theorists – from W.E.B. Du Bois to Judith Butler – this accessibly-written textbook encourages critical thinking and critical approaches to social work, providing an entry point for anyone interested in thinking theoretically about practice.

Key features include:

•essential terms explained throughout;

•end-of-chapter prompts to promote further thinking from students;

•suggestions for further reading complete with commentary; and

•companion website with links to videos, a lesson plan and additional resources.

Written for introductory audiences and experts alike, this book will appeal to students studying social work or other related social and allied professions at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as practitioners engaged in professional development.

Joe Whelan is Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin. He is a sociologist, social policy scholar and qualified social worker and teaches critical theory to social work students.

1. Introduction to Theory: Theorising Social Work

2. Ways of Knowing: Traditional Modernity and Postmodernity

3. Marx and Social Work

4. W.E.B Du Bois and Social Work

5. Jürgen Habermas and Social Work

6. Axel Honneth and Social Work

7. Pierre Bourdieu and Social Work

8. bell hooks and social work

9. Michel Foucault and Social Work

10. Judith Butler and Social Work

11. Giorgio Agamben and Social Work

12. Summary