ISBN
978-1861347411Dimensions
240 x 172 mmImprint
Policy PressISBN
978-1447324294Imprint
Policy PressISBN
978-1447324300Imprint
Policy Press
Transforming society?
Society is undergoing change, and, as a result, social welfare services – including social work – are being transformed. This book explores the sociological basis of contemporary society and shows how social workers experience tensions and contradictions in practice.
The book uses case studies and self directed activities to enable students to relate sociology to daily lives. It explores key themes in turn, examining their relevance for social work and how they can be applied to practice, particularly in areas such as children and families, mental health, disability and older people.
Relevant and accessible, the authors explore aspects of class, ethnicity and gender and conclude with suggestions of how sociology can inform practice and enable social work to engage with processes of transformation.
The book provides essential material for students of social work and social care, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It will also be relevant to social policy and sociology undergraduates.
"The sociological imagination has always been at the heart of good social work practice, even if it has been eclipsed in recent years by individualism and managerialism. This exciting and accessible text will allow a new generation of social work students to discover the importance of critical sociology for understanding the structural forces shaping the lives of those with whom they work." Iain Ferguson, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Stirling
"the book is highly readable. There is an equal consideration given to each of the key themes explored. The text incorporates real life case studies to emphasise situations. Activities are suggested which will generate discussions. It is a thought-provoking read." Community Care, Oct 11, 2007
"This book confidently places sociology at the heart of social work pedagogy. It also imaginatively explores ways forward in the development of a more enlightened and radical practice. Academics will be much encouraged if students have this text in their bibliographies, and students will have some defence against the widespread propensity for the poor to be blamed for their own poverty." Martin Thomas, Former Head of the Institute of Social Work and Applied Social Studies, Staffordshire University
Graeme Simpson is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Wolverhampton. Graeme's areas of expertise include Social Work (all areas, including post-qualifying and qualifying); EU social work & social policy; Children, Young people & families Comparative policy. His current research interests are the future of social work; the nature of wellbeing in contemporary policy; and, the future of social work education practice.
Contents: Introduction; Part One: Social exclusion and 'the poor': Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Part Two: Production: Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Part Three: Reproduction: Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Part Four: Consumption: Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Part Five: Community: Chapter 9; Chapte 10; Conclusion: using sociology to inform practice: Bringing it all together: sociology and social work; Social work at the crossroads?
