Social Work: Home

What is social work and who are social workers? Based on a range of primary and secondary sources, this book argues that social work, seen as an occupation and an identity, reveals specific cultural and symbolic representations. It explores aspects of social work culture and cross-cultural representation, showing from an outsider's perspective examples of how members of this occupational group see the world, and how their world views can affect their practices, suggesting implications of these practices for wider society. Analyzing these using an anthropological approach widens our insights into the impacts that these professionals have on society and vice versa.

Developed from the author's own experiences in social work and social work education, this book considers alternative approaches for social workers in dealing with the extensive demands, persistent pressures, and stress that they may face in their daily working lives.

Social policy is central to social work practice. This textbook is designed to help students, practitioners and academics think critically about the relationship between policy and practice; particularly in how policy both structures and informs practice. Reflective questions help critical thinking and links to websites of substantive information across the UK and internationally  help keep you up-to-date with policy developments.   The authors′ experience and skills in working with different service user groups combine to provide a constructive and critical approach to working with social policy in an era of welfare retrenchment.Key topics include: discretion and practice; social work training and education; safeguarding children; responses to the needs of looked after children; personalization in adult care; 'race' and welfare policy; domestic violence; mental health and capacity; and comparing social work and social care internationally.