Social work is facing fundamental changes and challenges. Neo-liberalism, globalization, corporate management and the mixed economy of welfare have transformed the profession by undermining former certainties of practice. 'Clients' have added their own voice to the need for new models of service delivery. Social Work engages with the dilemmas and opportunities emanating from the contested nature of practice. Using a broad range of theories, this book outlines the knowledge, skills and values that enable practitioners to respond more effectively to the demands of working in fluid and constantly changing contexts. Underpinning the approach that it takes is the idea that 'clients' are citizens with social and human rights which have to be respected. This provides the intellectual basis for a practice rooted in the ideas of citizenship, solidarity and reciprocity, thus reformulating the relationship between 'clients' and society.

This important new textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the dilemmas and tensions that practitioners are compelled to resolve in their daily work. It will be invaluable for students taking courses in social work, social welfare and applied sociology as well as nursing and health professionals, social work practitioners and policymakers.

About the Author
Professor of Social and Community Development, Southampton University and Director, Centre for International Social and Community Development. President, International Association of Schools of Social Work

Reviews
"Dominelli's excellent book examines the neo-liberal political traditions that have resulted in social work becoming such a 'troubled and troubling profession'."

Health Service Journal

"This is an ambitious and challenging book. It recognizes that contemporary social work is in some difficulty in the face of the ascendancy of neo-liberalism. Social work has been deeply affected by such reactionary pressures both locally and internationally. Dominelli does not shrink away from these challenges and in Social Work provides critical information and analysis which will help all those working for a resurgent social work practice committed to social justice and human rights."

Chris Jones, University of Liverpool

"Dominelli applies a critical and creative perspective to social work in our current global environment. She challenges our conventional assumptions regarding the role and practice of social work and social workers to propose ways in which we can rethink our purpose. This book makes a major contribution to social work theory and practice."

Lorraine Gutierrez, University of Michigan

Book Information
ISBN 9780745623832
Author Lena Dominelli
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 463g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 25mm