A New History of Social Work: Values and Practice in the Struggle for Social Justice

This book provides a fresh, critical history of social work in Britain for educators and students. It focuses on the nature of face-to-face work conducted by social workers with users over a broad span of time from 1820-2020. It will be of interest to all scholars and students of social work and will be particularly relevant for modules on introductions to social work and foundations of social work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book offers a comprehensive and critical history of social work in Britain, catering to educators and students alike. Spanning nine chapters, it delves into the nature of face-to-face work conducted by social workers with users across a vast period from 1820 to 2020. Its content will be of immense interest to scholars and students of social work, particularly those enrolled in modules covering introductory social work and foundations of social work.

The book begins by tracing the historical roots of social work in Britain, exploring the social and political contexts that shaped its development. It then examines the various models and approaches to social work practice that have emerged over the years, including the charitable, welfare, and professional models.

Chapter 2 delves into the role of social workers in the early 20th century, particularly during the Great Depression and World War II. It highlights the challenges and struggles faced by social workers in providing assistance to vulnerable populations and the impact of their work on society.

Chapter 3 explores the emergence of social work education in Britain, highlighting the establishment of social work schools, universities, and training programs. It discusses the development of social work theory and practice, as well as the challenges and controversies surrounding social work education.

Chapter 4 examines the role of social work in addressing social inequality and poverty. It explores the strategies and interventions used by social workers to support and empower vulnerable individuals and communities, as well as the challenges and limitations of these approaches.

Chapter 5 focuses on the impact of globalization on social work practice. It explores the ways in which social workers are adapting to the changing global landscape, including the challenges and opportunities presented by cross-cultural collaboration and the increasing importance of international social work.

Chapter 6 examines the role of social work in responding to contemporary social issues such as homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. It highlights the innovative approaches and interventions used by social workers to address these complex problems and the challenges and limitations of these approaches.

Chapter 7 explores the role of social work in promoting social justice and human rights. It examines the ways in which social workers are advocating for social change and challenging systems of oppression and discrimination, as well as the challenges and limitations of these efforts.

Chapter 8 examines the future of social work in Britain. It discusses the emerging trends and challenges facing social work practice, as well as the opportunities and strategies for social workers to adapt and thrive in the changing social landscape.

Chapter 9 concludes the book by reflecting on the legacy of social work in Britain and its contributions to society. It highlights the importance of social work in promoting social well-being, reducing social inequality, and improving the lives of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable and comprehensive history of social work in Britain, providing insights into the evolution of social work practice, the challenges and opportunities faced by social workers, and the impact of their work on society. It is an essential resource for educators, students, and practitioners of social work, and will be of interest to anyone seeking to understand the history and future of this important profession.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 233 x 156 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032024219