Policy Press

When Social Workers Impact Policy and Don’t Just Implement It

A Framework for Understanding Policy Engagement

By John Gal and Idit Weiss-Gal

Published

Feb 13, 2024

Page count

184 pages

Browse the series

Research in Social Work

ISBN

978-1447364764

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Nov 15, 2022

Page count

184 pages

Browse the series

Research in Social Work

ISBN

978-1447364757

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Nov 15, 2022

Page count

184 pages

Browse the series

Research in Social Work

ISBN

978-1447364771

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Nov 15, 2022

Page count

184 pages

Browse the series

Research in Social Work

ISBN

978-1447364771

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
When Social Workers Impact Policy and Don’t Just Implement It

Rather than being seen simply as social policy implementors, in recent decades there has been increasing recognition of social workers as professionals with unique knowledge and insights to contribute to policy formulation and social justice.

This book offers a path-breaking, evidence-based theoretical framework for understanding why social workers engage in policy, both as professionals and citizens, and the impact of their actions. Drawing on concepts from social work and the political, sociological and policy sciences, the authors set out the implications of this framework for research, education and practice.

“Social workers have always been engaged in social policies – of all types, at many levels, in different arenas, using a range of professional strategies. Now we have a thoughtful book with compelling examples and insights. The authors are international leaders on this topic. This book should become a standard text.” Michael Sherraden, Washington University

“This book will be enlightening for those who care about the political engagement of social workers.” Sigrid Leitner, Cologne University of Applied Sciences

“A groundbreaking text which establishes policy practice as a professional responsibility of all social workers, and introduces a framework that will enable them to effectively impact on policy debates and outcomes.” Philip Mendes, Monash University

"This book explores the opportunities, environments and motivations that affect how social workers can influence policy at national, local and organizational levels. Educators, students and professionals should read this book that signposts the actions that could have an impact on political discourse and policy decisions." Annamaria Campanini, President, IASSW

John Gal is Full Professor and former Dean at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Idit Weiss-Gal is a Full Professor and former Head of the Bob Shapell School of Social Work at Tel Aviv University.

1. Introduction

2. On the social work–social policy interface

3. The environments

4. Opportunity

5. Facilitation

6. Motivation

7. Explaining the policy engagement of social workers and beyond