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

A fully revised second edition of this systematic introduction to progressive social work practice. Taking a critical theoretical approach, it examines the nexus between personal and social change. 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 marginalization 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.