Synopses & Reviews
In order to work effectively, social workers need to understand theoretical concepts and develop critical theory. In Social Work and Social Theory, Paul Michael Garrett seeks to bring the profession into dialogue with the anticapitalist movement and encourages a new engagement with theorists such as Antonio Gramsci, Pierre Bourdieu, and Nancy Fraser. It provides an accessible and exhilarating introduction for practitioners, students, and social work academics interested in social theory and critical social policy. It will be a vital resource aiding anyone intent on creating a more radical social work and a useful teaching tool to spark lively classroom discussion.
Review
andldquo;This book fills a gap in the increasingly atheoretical literature of social work. It provides clear and incisive analyses of major critical theorists and demonstrates how their work can shape progressive practice.andrdquo; and#160;and#160;
Review
andldquo;As neoliberalism brings andlsquo;managerialismandrsquo; into social services, Garrettandrsquo;s highly accessible and provocative conversation with theorists importantly opens the door to critical thinking about the role of government, the functioning of social agencies, and the capacity of social workers to deliver services to people in need. Garrettandrsquo;s thoughtful and in-depth engagement with major social theories should encourage social workersandmdash;who sit at the intersection between the individual and the state, to assessandmdash;and to challengeandmdash;the status quo.andrdquo;
Review
andldquo;Paul Michael Garrettandrsquo;s Social Work and Social Theory is a wonderfully rich reflection on the uses of social theory to critically contextualize social work practice. Drawing on a wide range of contemporary theorists, the book insightfully shows that theory can help social workers rethink the commonly accepted understandings of their roles and responsibilities today.andrdquo;and#160;
Review
andldquo;This is a well-written book by a respected author. It demonstrates a wealth of relevant knowledge and provides a clear overview of a highly complex field.andrdquo;and#160;
Review
andldquo;Garrett has provided trenchant critiques of the changes forced onto social work since the onset of neoliberalismandmdash;a political philosophy that promotes, among other things, privatisation and free tradeandmdash;in the late 1970s. His call has always been for a more critical and creative response to what has happened to social work and the people it serves. . . . This book is essential reading for those wanting a more radical/critical social work.andrdquo;
Review
andldquo;Garrett has set himself an ambitious task in writing a book which draws on a broad range of social theorists in examining what relevance they have to social work as an academic subject, a professional practice, and as a response to problems that will inevitably emerge under the present social order. The strengths in this text lie in Garrettandrsquo;s own evident passion for the topic and his acute observations of the theories discussed. . . . I believe this book is an excellent contribution to social work literature in Ireland and further afield and may be what social work needs, if not necessarily what it wants.andrdquo;and#160;
Review
andldquo;The book . . . richly and compellingly reminds readers that social and critical theory allow us to understand and unpick the complexity, politics, and power of social inequality. . . . Modern, invigorating, relevant, and successful in generating a positive will towards politically informed and activist social work. It is highly recommended.andrdquo;
Review
andldquo;Social Work and Social Theory is . . . a brave and inspired attempt to argue for a better engagement with the potential of critical theory to improve our understanding of the social work labour process [and] the corrosive impact of neoliberalism on all spheres of life. . . . It is a fascinating and well-written read. . . . The authorandrsquo;s ornate style of writing, enthusiasm, and keen endeavour to keep the material up to date holds the readerandrsquo;s attention.andrdquo;
Review
andldquo;The book is extremely well structured [,] . . . written in a way that is readily accessible and intelligible and is presented clearly enough for the reader to . . . develop their own critique despite the fact that many of the selected theorists are known sometimes for their use of impenetrable prose. . . . Refreshingly, not all selected theorists are those likely to be familiar to all readers and this combination of andlsquo;predictableandrsquo; or familiar aspects with newer perspectives is a real strength of this book. . . . Undeniably, a andlsquo;good readandrsquo; and should certainly stimulate thoughts and debates.andrdquo;
Review
andldquo;Garrett has highlighted for us once again the looking beyond the standardized parameters of institutional practice, and . . . seeking inspiration and indeed practical insights from a wider range of sources than are commonly utilized. . . . As in his previous work, the author has achieved a precious objective in successfully making us think, and think critically for practice.andrdquo;
Synopsis
This innovative textbook provides a comprehensive guide to social work practice across a range of organizational contexts, presenting social work as a diverse activity that is profoundly shaped by public policies, service missions, and practice locations. A chief strength of the text is its integrated and flexible framework for practice which links context, theory, and practice approaches. It tackles the most current and topical theories and perspectives in a clear and systematic way.
About the Author
Karen Healy is Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Policy Studies at The University of Sydney, Australia.
Table of Contents
Dedication * Acknowledgements * Practising Social Work: Why Context Matters * Dominant Discourses: Biomedicine, Economics, and Law * Contestant Discourses: Social Science, Consumer Rights, Religion and Spirituality * Theories of Professional Practice: In Context * Problem-Solving Practice: Focusing Task-Centred Work * Three Waves of Systems Theory * The Strengths Perspective in Social Work * Modern Critical Social Work: From Radical to Anti-Oppressive Practice * Postmodern Approaches to Practice * Creating Context and Theory in Practice * Bibliography * Figures