Inequality and Social Work

Inequality is a major challenge for social workers, and this book provides critical skills and knowledge to understand and tackle it. Key topics include social inequalities, health and welfare inequalities, global inequalities, social policy, and intersectional social work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Inequality is a fundamental issue that permeates the realm of social work, particularly when it comes to engaging with marginalized, disadvantaged, and vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. As social workers prepare to embark on this challenging journey, it is essential to possess a critical mindset and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to address and overcome inequality. This comprehensive book is meticulously crafted to aid in this endeavor, empowering social workers to delve into the complexities of inequality and develop effective strategies for providing meaningful assistance to those who require it the most.

The book begins by delving into the concept of inequality and its profound impact on society. It explores the various forms of inequality, including social, economic, political, and health-related inequalities, and highlights the ways in which they intersect and exacerbate each other. Social workers must possess a deep understanding of these dynamics to effectively engage with their clients and advocate for change.

Social inequalities are a significant aspect of inequality, as they refer to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. Social workers must be aware of these disparities and work to address them by promoting social justice, equity, and inclusion. This involves challenging systemic barriers, advocating for policy changes, and providing support to marginalized communities.

Health and welfare inequalities are another critical area of concern in social work. These inequalities manifest in access to healthcare, education, housing, and other essential services. Social workers must work to address these disparities by advocating for policies that promote health equity, improving access to healthcare services, and providing support to individuals and families who are struggling to meet their basic needs.

Global inequalities are a growing concern, as they transcend national boundaries and impact individuals and communities worldwide. Social workers must be aware of these global trends and work to address them by promoting international cooperation, advocating for human rights, and addressing the root causes of inequality, such as poverty, discrimination, and climate change.

Social policy plays a crucial role in addressing inequality. Social workers must be knowledgeable about social policy frameworks and their impact on marginalized communities. This involves advocating for policies that promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and social justice.

Intersectional social work, radical social work, and community-based approaches are three key approaches that social workers can employ to address inequality. Intersectional social work recognizes the interconnectedness of various forms of inequality and aims to address them holistically. Radical social work challenges dominant power structures and promotes social change through collective action and advocacy. Community-based approaches involve working closely with communities to identify their needs and develop tailored solutions that address inequality at the grassroots level.

In conclusion, inequality lies at the heart of many of the challenges social workers face as they prepare to work with marginalized, disadvantaged, and vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. This book is designed to help social workers develop a critical mindset and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and tackle inequality. By exploring the various topics covered in this book, social workers will be well-equipped to provide meaningful help to those who need it the most and contribute to creating a more equitable and just society.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 170 x 242 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529768787