Political Ideology and Social Work

Mitchell Rosenwald provides a comprehensive examination of the role of politics in the social work profession. Considering both clinical and policy work, this book also offers recommendations for encouraging political reconciliation in order to strengthen the profession.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Social workers navigate a complex terrain of politically charged issues throughout their professional lives. They are tasked with making decisions that profoundly impact various aspects of society, including abortion, family planning, end-of-life care, immigration rights, economic assistance, and racial inequality. Personal political beliefs play a significant role in shaping social workers' education, training, practice with clients, and efforts to bring about social change.

In his comprehensive examination of the role of politics in the social work profession, Mitchell Rosenwald delves into the intricate relationship between political ideology and social work education and practice. He explores the various strands of thought that have shaped the profession's history, from its inception to the present day. This book sheds light on how social workers navigate the delicate balance between their personal views and the professional obligation to provide therapeutic support, case management, and information and referral to their clients. It examines the challenges faced by the social work profession in promoting and fostering political diversity among its members and explores the consequences when individuals' political beliefs clash with commonly held attitudes.

Political Ideology and Social Work takes a multifaceted approach, considering both clinical and policy work. It offers valuable insights into the complexities of political reconciliation and provides recommendations for strengthening the profession. By examining the intersection of personal political beliefs and social work practice, this book contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of social workers in addressing societal challenges and promoting social justice.

In conclusion, social workers face a myriad of politically fraught issues in their professional lives. Personal political beliefs play a significant role in shaping their education, training, practice, and efforts to bring about social change. By examining the relationship between politics and social work, Political Ideology and Social Work provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by social workers in their pursuit of promoting social justice and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231177429