Critical Social Work: Theories and Practices for a Socially Just World

Description

Critical Social Work starts from the premise that a central goal of social work practice is social change to redress social inequality. Taking a critical theoretical approach, the authors explore the links between personal and social change. They confront the challenges for critical social work in the context of pressures to separate the personal from the political and in responding to the impact of changes in the socio-political, statutory and global contexts of practice. Critical Social Work has been thoroughly revised to take into account recent social, economic and political developments. Coverage of theoretical frameworks has been substantially expanded and reflects current concerns such as evidence based practice and human rights. The causes of people's marginalisation and oppression are examined in relation to class, race, ethnicity, gender and other forms of social inequality. Case study chapters in the earlier edition on working with immigrants, Indigenous people, women, men, families, people with psychiatric disabilities and those experiencing loss and grief have been updated and revised. The second edition includes new case study chapters on disability, older people, children, rurality, and violence and abuse. Critical Social Work is an essential resource to inform progressive social work practice. Contents Preface List of Contributors Part I: Introduction 1 Introducing critical theories for social work in a neo-liberal context • Linda Briskman, Bob Pease and June Allan Part II: Developing conceptual frameworks for critical social work 2 Tracing the origins of critical social work practice • Philip Mendes 3 Theorising new developments in critical social work • June Allan 4 From evidence-based practice to critical knowledge in post-positivist social work • Bob Pease 5 Promoting a human rights perspective on critical social work • Sharlene Nipperess and Linda Briskman 6 Doing critical social work • June Allan Part III: Resisting domination and oppression 7 Towards anti-racist and culturally affirming practices • Marjorie Quinn 8 Reversing colonial practices with Indigenous peoples • Christine Fejo-King and Linda Briskman 9 Reconstructing social work practices with families • Susie Costello 10 Examining the meaning of childhood in critical social work practice • Heather D’Cruz 11 Using critical refl ection to improve feminist practice • Christine Morley 12 Challenges and directions for profeminist practice with men • Bob Pease 13 Empowering and rights-based approaches to working with older people • Barbara Black 14 Disabling discourses and enabling practices in disability politics • Kelley Johnson 15 Opening spaces for alternative understandings in mental health practice • Selma Macfarlane 16 Weaving together the personal and the political in loss and grief • June Allan 17 Addressing violence and abuse in a gendered world • Heather Fraser and Christine Craik Part IV: Locating critical social work in shifting worlds 18 Critical practice in a changing context • Catherine McDonald 19 Enacting critical social work in publicly funded contexts • Nick Halfpenny 20 Framing critical social work practices with ruraland remote communities • Uschi Bay 21 For a solidarity-based practice in the globalising context • Jacques Boulet Notes References Index