This welcome new edition of a best-selling text offers a comprehensive survey of major theories relevant to social work practice and a clear assessment of the role and value of each approach based on the current critical literature. The book builds on the strength of the previous editions, with a major recasting of the first two chapters to bring them up to date, a wholly new chapter on feminist theory, and a greater emphasis on applying theory to practice. Taken together, the revisions will secure the continuing value of this world-class textbook as an invaluable companion for social work students and educators alike.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgements Construction and Reality in Social Work Theory Using Social Work Theory in Practice Psychodynamic Perspectives Crisis Intervention and Task-centred Models Cognitive-behavioural Theories Systems and Ecological Perspectives Social Psychology and Social Construction Humanism, Existentialism and Spirituality Social and Community Development From Radical to Critical Perspectives Feminist Perspectives Anti-discrimination and Cultural and Ethnic Sensitivity Empowerment and Advocacy Assessing Social Work Theories Bibliography Index List of Figures and Tables

About the Author

MALCOLM PAYNE is Director of Psychosocial and Spiritual Care at St Christopher's Hospice, having previously worked as Professor of Applied Community Studies at the Manchester Metropolitan University, U.K., in probation, social services and the national and local voluntary sector. His most recent books are Teamwork in Multiprofessional Care, Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates and Critical Practice in Social Work (the latter two co-edited with Adams and Dominelli).