Human Behavior and the Larger Social Environment: A New Synthesis

by McNown Johnson, Miriam; Rhodes, Rita

• ISBN13: 9780205378258
• ISBN10: 0205378250
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Summary

Promotes critical thinking through extensive review and analysis of macro-level systems and structures, highlighting both the positive and negative impacts they have on individuals and families. bull; Avoids overwhelming students with the multitude of theories used to explain large systems by using the same structure in each chapter, helping students mentally organize material in a way that helps them apply the knowledge to other social work courses. bull; Fully supports the "person-in-environment" orientation by moving away from an over-emphasis on individual development, toward an examination of contextual issues that more fully explains the challenges routinely encoutered by social workers. bull; Thoroughly examines the social institutions that impact social workers and their clients, helping students make connections between current events and social work curriculum content (Chs. 2-4). bull; Introduces content on social class, racial/ethnic minorities, gender, sexual orientation and disabilities in a way that encourages open mindedness in students while discouraging stereotyping (Chs. 5-11). bull; Focuses on diversity and strengths in minority populations and social settings, and addresses issues of oppression with sensitivity, helping to develop students'appreciation for the challenges faced by populations at risk (Chs. 5-11).

Table of Contents

Preface	vi
PART ONE Building on an Integrated Foundation
1 Introduction to Perspectives and Theories	3	(10)
Shifting Perspectives in Social Work	4	(1)
Perspectives Used in This Text	5	(6)
How Theory Informs Practice	11	(2)
PART TWO Introduction to Social Institutions	13	(66)
2 The Political Economy	15	(19)
The Economic System	16	(8)
The Political System	24	(6)
Economics and Politics Together: The Political Economy	30	(4)
3 Government-Related Social Institutions	34	(23)
Social Welfare	36	(5)
Education	41	(6)
Criminal Justice	47	(10)
4 Non-Government-Related Social Institutions	57	(22)
Health Care	58	(5)
Religion	63	(7)
Mass Media	70	(9)
PART THREE Introduction to Social Structure in American Society	79	(56)
5 Social Stratification	81	(12)
Social Classes in America	82	(1)
Poverty as a Special Concern for Social Workers	83	(1)
Social Mobility	84	(1)
Understanding Social Stratification	85	(1)
The Impact of Social Stratification on Individuals and Families	86	(7)
6 American Society and Cultural Diversity	93	(28)
The United States as a Multicultural Society	94	(5)
Exploring Mainstream and Minority Cultures	99	(12)
Understanding Racial and Ethnic Inequality	111	(1)
American Society and Experiences of Racial and Ethnic Inequity	112	(9)
7 Other Social Status Groups	121	(14)
Social Status	122	(1)
Gender	123	(3)
Sexual Orientation	126	(3)
Disability	129	(6)
PART FOUR Introduction to Social Settings	135	(71)
8 Locational Communities	137	(20)
Defining Community	138	(1)
Types of Communities	139	(1)
Issues and Trends	139	(6)
Understanding Communities	145	(2)
Preferred Perspectives	147	(2)
The Impact of Communities on Individuals and Families	149	(5)
Social Workers and Communities	154	(3)
9 Organizations	157	(18)
Defining Organizations	158	(1)
Types of Organizations	159	(1)
Issues and Trends	159	(2)
Understanding Organizations	161	(6)
Preferred Perspectives	167	(2)
The Impact of Organizations on Individuals and Families	169	(3)
Organizations as Providers of Social Services and as Employers of Social Workers	172	(3)
10 Residential Institutions	175	(13)
Defining Institutions	176	(1)
A Brief History of Institutions	177	(1)
Issues and Trends	178	(3)
Understanding Institutions	181	(3)
The Impact of Institutions on Individuals and Families	184	(1)
Social Workers in Institutions	185	(3)
11 Other Social Settings: Groups and Social Movements	188	(18)
Groups and Social Movements as Contexts for Change	189	(1)
Groups	190	(8)
Social Movements	198	(8)
References	206	(20)
Index	226