Full Description
A comprehensive introduction to the most widely used approach to social work theory and practice. It offers a systematic overview of core theories and practice issues in challenging domination and oppression. The authors argue that a central goal of social work practice is social change to redress social inequality. Taking a critical theoretical approach that incorporates postmodern, feminist, structural and postcolonial perspectives, they explore the links between personal and social change. While many critical social work educators argue that we need to draw upon both modernist and postmodern appropriations of critical theory, this work is intended to fill a gap in the literature for a book exploring the tensions and contradictions in adopting this dual perspective. 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 explore theory and practice issues in working with immigrants, indigenous people, women, men, families, people with psychiatric disabilities and those experiencing loss and grief.The authors 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. The text is a resource for teaching critical approaches to practice and should be a valuable introduction for practitioners in the human services who are working with marginalised and oppressed populations.
Contents
1 Introducing critical theories in social workBob Pease, June Allan and Linda BriskmanPart I: Critical social work: Theories and practices2 Historical development of critical social work practiceJennifer Martin3 Theorising critical social workJune Allan4 Practising critical social workJune AllanPart II: Confronting domination and oppression5 Immigrants and refugees: Towards anti-racist and culturally affirming practicesMarjorie Quinn6 Indigenous Australians: Towards postcolonial social workLinda Briskman7 Women: Developing feminist practice in women's servicesWendy Weeks8 Men and masculinities: Profeminist approaches to changing menBob Pease9 Families: Reconstructing social work practicesSusie Costello10 Mental health: Rethinking practices with womenJennifer Martin11 Loss and grief: Weaving together the personal and the politicalJune AllanPart III: Facing the challenges for critical social work<
