Policy Press

Social Work

The Rise and Fall of a Profession?

By Steve Rogowski

Published

Sep 2, 2020

Page count

224 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1447353140

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Sep 2, 2020

Page count

224 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1447353133

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Sep 2, 2020

Page count

224 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1447353157

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Sep 2, 2020

Page count

224 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1447353157

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
Social Work

Rogowski’s second edition of this bestselling textbook responds to the major changes to social work practice since the first edition was published. It is fully revised and updated to include new material that is essential for students and practising social workers today.

Taking a critical perspective, Rogowski evaluates social work’s development, nature and rationale over approximately 150 years. He explores how neoliberalism is at the core of the profession’s crisis and calls for progressive, critical and radical changes to social work policy and practices based on social justice and social change.

This new edition is substantially updated to explore:

•the impact of austerity policies since 2010;

•failures to realise the progressive possibilities which followed the death of ‘Baby P’;

•contemporary examples of critical and radical practice.

It also includes a range of student-friendly features including chapter summaries, key learning and discussion points, and further reading.

“Charts the forces which enabled social work to flourish until the rise of neoliberal politics and managerialist organisation meant that it lost its radical edge. An essential read for students of social policy and social work.” Bill Jordan, University of Plymouth

“Anyone seeking to map a socially progressive future for the profession needs to understand what has occurred in social work over recent decades, and this is a reliable and informed guide." Paul Michael Garrett, NUI Galway

"This book helps students to understand the recent history of social work in the UK, and how neoliberalism and bureaucracy have created a profession that strains against a lack of resources, relentlessly individualistic social policy and paperwork taking priority over conversations." Carrie Phillips, University of Sunderland

“By a practitioner for practitioners, this updated text is a reminder that another social work is possible, which combats rather than colludes with current hard times. Essential reading for all social workers, students and services.” Peter Beresford OBE, University of Essex

“A sweeping socio-historical account of social work in the UK and how in recent years it has been (mis)shaped by neoliberal politicians and policy makers, to the detriment of service users.” Rachel Fyson, University of Nottingham

“A welcome addition to the growing critical literature on the ways in which progressive social work practice has been undermined by neoliberalism and austerity.” Iain Ferguson, University of the West of Scotland

Steve Rogowski has practised as a social worker across five decades, predominantly with children and families. He remains a qualified and registered social worker and an independent scholar.

Foreword ~ Ray Jones

Introduction: The rise and fall of social work?

The beginnings of social work to its 1970s zenith

Thatcherism and the rise of neoliberalism: opportunities and challenges

New Labour, more neoliberalism: new challenges and (fewer) opportunities

The professionalisation of social work?

Managerialism and the social work business

Neoliberalism, austerity and social Work

Conclusion: Critical/radical possibilities in ongoing neoliberal times

Author's note