Critical Social Work Praxis

Critical Social Work Praxis is a social work textbook that bridges social work theory and practice, combining critical thought and ethical action. It is organized into sixteen sections, each reflecting a critical social work tradition or approach, with a theory chapter, praxis chapter, and commentary chapter. The book helps students understand how to extend theory into praxis and provides instructors with critical new tools and discussion ideas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Fernwood Publishing Co Ltd

This cutting-edge social work textbook argues that what we think must inform what we do. In this innovative, expansive, and wide-ranging collection, leading social work thinkers engage with social work traditions to bridge social work theory and practice and arrive at social work praxis: a uniting of critical thought and ethical action. Critical Social Work Praxis is organized into sixteen sections, each reflecting a critical social work tradition or approach. Each section has a theory chapter, which succinctly outlines the tradition's main concepts or tenets, a praxis chapter, which shows how the theory informs social work practice, and a commentary chapter, which provides a critical analysis of the tensions and difficulties of the approach. The text helps students understand how to extend theory into praxis and gives instructors critical new tools and discussion ideas. This book is the result of decades of experience teaching social work theory and praxis and is a comprehensive teaching and learning tool for the critical social work classroom.

Introduction:
In the field of social work, there is a growing recognition of the importance of integrating critical thinking and ethical action. This textbook aims to provide a comprehensive and practical guide for students and practitioners alike, exploring the various traditions and approaches within critical social work practice.

Critical Social Work Traditions:
Critical social work practice draws upon a range of theoretical frameworks and philosophical traditions, including Marxism, feminism, postcolonialism, and critical race theory. Each tradition offers unique insights into the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to social inequality and oppression. The textbook provides an overview of these traditions, highlighting their key concepts and principles.

Praxis Chapters:
The praxis chapters of the textbook are designed to demonstrate how these theoretical frameworks can be applied in social work practice. Each chapter focuses on a specific area of practice, such as working with marginalized communities, addressing social justice issues, or implementing evidence-based interventions. The chapters provide practical examples and case studies to illustrate the application of theory to real-world situations.

Theory Chapters:
The theory chapters of the textbook provide a deeper understanding of the key concepts and principles of each critical social work tradition. The chapters outline the historical context, theoretical foundations, and key thinkers of each tradition. They also explore the ethical implications of these traditions and their relevance to social work practice.

Commentary Chapters:
The commentary chapters of the textbook offer critical analysis of the tensions and difficulties associated with each critical social work tradition. The chapters explore the challenges and limitations of these traditions, as well as their potential for transformation and growth. They also provide suggestions for how social workers can navigate these challenges and work towards creating more equitable and just societies.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this textbook is a valuable resource for students and practitioners seeking to integrate critical thinking and ethical action into their social work practice. By engaging with the various traditions and approaches within critical social work, readers can develop a deeper understanding of the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to social inequality and oppression. The textbook provides practical examples and case studies to illustrate the application of theory to real-world situations, and the commentary chapters offer critical analysis of the challenges and limitations of each tradition. This book is a testament to the power of social work to create positive change in the world.

Weight: 950g
Dimension: 174 x 234 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773631912