Just Practice: A Social Justice Approach to Social Work

Just Practice provides a foundation for critical and creative social work that focuses on the profession's historical commitment to social justice. The book integrates theory, skills, ethics, and rights and responds to the complex terrain of 21st century social work. Just Practice moves beyond the traditional foundations curriculum, however, to engage in an exploration of the complexities and the potential of social work. It is in part a reclamation project, recovering the histories, stories, and sense of urgency and possibility that has sparked the imagination and fueled the commitment of those engaged in social justice-oriented work through the decades.

The book facilitates participatory learning in the classroom by engaging students in question posing, self-reflection, and critical inquiry into the history, knowledge, values and skills of social work. Finn challenges students to recognize and address forms and mechanisms of oppression and privilege that shape both their work and the world around them. Each chapter includes learning activities, reflection moments, practice examples, and the stories and voices of practitioners and service users to engage students as critical thinkers and practitioners. The author encourages teachers and students alike to take risks, move from safe, familiar pedagogical spaces and practices, challenge assumptions, and embrace uncertainty.