Social Work: An Introduction

Social Work: An Introduction is a textbook for future social workers, divided into four parts with case studies, critical thinking boxes, and recommended reading. It also includes free online resources to support teaching.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 704 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Social Work: An Introduction, now in its third edition, is an essential resource for aspiring social workers embarking on their journey. Written with the future practitioner in mind, this comprehensive textbook is divided into four parts, each containing valuable learning features to maximize your academic experience.

In Part One, "Foundations of Social Work," the book delves into the fundamental principles and theories that underpin the field. It explores the history, philosophy, and ethical frameworks of social work, providing a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of human behavior and social systems.

Part Two, "Practice Skills and Knowledge," focuses on developing practical skills and knowledge essential for social work practice. It covers topics such as communication, assessment, intervention, and working with diverse service user groups. Case studies and exercises are included to illustrate real-world scenarios and test your understanding of the material.

Part Three, "Social Policy and Service Systems," examines the social, political, and economic factors that shape social work practice. It explores the role of social workers in advocating for social justice, developing policies, and working with various service providers to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

Part Four, "Professional Development and Practice," prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of a social work career. It discusses professional standards, ethical considerations, and career advancement strategies. It also provides guidance on relating your knowledge to different practice frameworks throughout the UK.

In addition to its comprehensive content, Social Work: An Introduction offers a range of valuable resources to support teaching and learning. These include:

- Case studies and exercises: These provide practical examples and opportunities to apply the knowledge learned in the textbook.
- Critical thinking boxes and reflective questions: These encourage you to critically evaluate and reflect on the material, promoting deeper understanding and critical thinking skills.
- Recommended reading: A list of books and articles recommended for further development of your understanding of social work topics.
- A range of tools for practice: These include checklists, flowcharts, and templates that can be used in practice to assist with assessment, intervention, and documentation.
- Guidance on relating knowledge to practice frameworks: This provides insights on how to apply social work knowledge to different practice frameworks in the UK, ensuring that you are compliant with professional standards.

Furthermore, the textbook is accompanied by free online resources available at https://study.sagepub.com/lishman-et-al3e. These resources include themes for discussion, SAGE journal articles, case studies, activities, and more, providing a wealth of additional material to support your learning and teaching.

Social Work: An Introduction is an indispensable resource for anyone aspiring to become a skilled and compassionate social worker. With its comprehensive coverage of foundational principles, practice skills, social policy, professional development, and online resources, this textbook equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Weight: 1248g
Dimension: 187 x 232 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529602586
Edition number: 3 Revised edition