The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Theory

Description

The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Theory provides an interdisciplinary and international introduction to social work theory. It presents an analytical review of the wide array of theoretical ideas that influence social work on a global scale. It sets the agenda for future trends within social work theory. Separated into four parts, this handbook examines important themes within the discourses on social work theory, as well as offering a critical evaluation of how theoretical ideas influence social work as a profession and in practice. It includes a diverse range of interdisciplinary topics, covering the aims and nature of social work, social work values and ethics, social work practice theories and the use of theory in different fields of practice. The contributors show how and why theory is so important to social work and analyze the impact these concepts have made on social intervention. Bringing together an international team of leading academics within the social work field and newer contributors close to practice, this handbook is essential reading for all those studying social work, as well as practitioners, policymakers and those involved in the associated fields of health and social care. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Dedication Contents List of figures List of tables List of contributors Introduction Part 1 The aims and nature of social work 1 Social work theory, knowledge and practice 2 Theoretical aspects of social work – from eclecticism to integration 3 Psychological and counselling theory in social work: a critical overview 4 Epistemic discourses of ‘explanation’ and ‘understanding’ in assessment models 5 Theorizing social work in the domains of culture, politics and society 6 Paradigm shift? Biomedical science and social work thinking Part 2 Theory about social work values 7 Care and caring 8 Autonomy and dependence 9 Empathy, respect and dignity in social work 10 The interpretation of social justice, equality and inequality in social work: a view from the US 11 Spirituality and secularity Part 3 Theories of social work practice 12 Relational social work 13 Contemporary attachment theory: how can it inform social workers? 14 How green is social work? Towards an ecocentric turn in social work 15 Theory on systems, complexity and chaos 16 Cognitive-behavioural therapy and social work practice 17 Task-centred practice 18 Strengths perspective: critical analysis of the influence on social work 19 Solution-focused practice in social work 20 Motivational interviewing’s theory of practice for social work: promises and pitfalls 21 Narrative social work: key concepts 22 Mindfulness and social work 23 Indigenist social work practice 24 The social pedagogy dimension of social work activity 25 Locality-based social development: a theoretical perspective for social work 26 Critical theory and social work: historical context and contemporary manifestations 27 The return of macro approaches in social work 28 Empowerment ideas in social work 29 Anti-oppressive practice 30 Advocacy ideas in social work 31 Feminist ideas in social work Part 4 Theory in practice 32 Family social work practice 33 Theory for social work with children 34 Safeguarding children and the use of theory in practice 35 Child and adolescent mental health: a psychosocial perspective 36 Theories of mental health 37 Social work and addiction 38 Disability theory and social work practice 39 Accommodating cognitive differences: new ideas for social work with people with intellectual disabilities 40 Social work theory and older people 41 Holistic end-of-life care in social work Index