Social Work Practices: Contemporary Perspectives on Change Book

How should social workers be responding to the crises which beset the welfare states of the 21st century? Could postmodern theory provide some of the answers?This original and stimulating book provides a critical review of contemporary social work theory and considers its relevance for professional practice. Karen Healy outlines critical theoretical perspectives - including feminist, marxist and radical social work - and indicates their implications for social work practice. She goes on to explain contemporary debates on post-structuralism and postmodernism and shows how their application to everyday social work practice would point to a new pragmatism focused on local, contextual and incremental proposals for change. By referring to actual examples, the reader is invited to consider the potential for relevant and diverse forms of social work practice informed by postmodern theory.This accessible and engaging book makes an important contribution to contemporary debates in social work theory and practice. It will be important reading for students and academics in social work and social policy. Read More