Published
Jan 7, 2025Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447371687Dimensions
244 x 170 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jan 7, 2025Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447371694Dimensions
244 x 170 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jan 7, 2025Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447371694Dimensions
244 x 170 mmImprint
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.
"Encouraging readers to develop confidence in their own skills for analysing the work of selective critical theorists, this book provides a creative and engaging approach to making critical theory more accessible and understandable." Caroline McGregor, University of Galway
“With this authoritative, stimulating and highly accessible introduction to critical theory and the key theorists, Joe Whelan makes an important contribution to social work. His book will inspire so many to embrace critical theory as a vital resource in navigating the range of challenges confronting the field.” Robbie Gilligan, Professor Emeritus, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
“An excellent introduction to critical social theories, using plain language, making links with practice and inviting us to further thinking. A must-have book for students and educators!” Sofia Dedotsi, University of West Attica
Joe Whelan is Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin, the University of 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. Karl 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: Revisiting the Learning Outcomes
