Policy Press

Social Work and Society

Political and Ideological Perspectives

Edited by Sarah Pollock, Kate Parkinson and Ian Cummins

Published

Nov 27, 2019

Page count

262 pages

ISBN

978-1447344704

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Nov 27, 2019

Page count

262 pages

ISBN

978-1447344711

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Nov 27, 2019

Page count

262 pages

ISBN

978-1447344711

Imprint

Policy Press
Social Work and Society

It is essential that social work students understand the lasting impact political decision making can have on service users, yet little guidance exists on this subject. This valuable book provides a comprehensive introduction to politics in social work, unifying the themes of political ideology and social construction across several areas of social work practice, including emerging areas of practice. The book:

•Introduces the dominant political ideologies in the UK;

•Examines the impact of these ideological perspectives on different demographic groups;

•Explores emerging areas of growing political interest such as radicalisation;

•Employs case studies and examples from practice to aid student understanding.

Including helpful key points to guide reading at the beginning of each chapter, as well as exercises for seminars and further reading recommendations, this text will be an invaluable resource to all students in social work.

“This anthology addresses a critical omission in social work literature: how ideology and politics shape contemporary social work practice. Its provocative analysis will stimulate discussion among educators, students, and practitioners.” Michael Reisch, University of Maryland

“A welcome addition to the politics of social work. Blending social theory and social practice, the book will help academics and practitioners to make sense of political and ideological contexts.” Linda Briskman, Western Sydney University

"A well-considered text in which relevant contemporary issues are brought to light." Beth Moran, University of Plymouth

Sarah Pollock is a qualified and registered social work practitioner and academic. She has recently completed a PhD research project at Manchester Metropolitan University in which she explored South Asian older women’s experiences of preventative health and social care services.

Kate Parkinson is a Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Salford. She qualified as a social worker in 1998 and worked within the field of children and families social work for 15 years before taking up her current post. Kate has worked within the areas of child protection, early intervention and looked after children.

Ian Cummins is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Salford. He qualified as a probation officer and subsequently worked as a mental health social worker. His research interests including the history of community care and mental health issues in the CJS. His most recent work has focused on poverty, inequality and advanced marginality.

Introduction ~ Sarah Pollock

Part 1: Political Ideologies in Context

Socialism ~ Rich Moth

Liberalism ~ Ian Cummins

Conservatism ~ Ben Williams

Neoliberalism ~ Ian Cummins

Feminism ~ Lucy Mort

Part 2: Social and Political Contexts of Practice

Social Work with Adults ~ Alex Withers and Sarah Pollock

Child Protection Social Work ~ Kate Parkinson

Mental Health ~ Rich Moth and Scott Massie

The Criminal Justice System ~ Ian Cummins

PART 3: Emerging Themes and Issues

Insecurity ~ Sarah Pollock

Migration and Asylum ~ Philip Brown

Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation ~ Donna Peach

Addiction ~ Chris Yianni

Radicalisation ~ Ian Cummins

Conclusion ~ Kate Parkinson

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