Essential Theory for Social Work Practice

by Chris Beckett

• ISBN13: 9781412908740
• ISBN10: 1412908744
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-04-06
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Summary

Essential Theory for Social Work Practice is an engaging and readable text, with a distinctively realistic and honest approach to the realities of everyday practice. In this innovative and highly accessible textbook, author Chris Beckett explains how a sound understanding of social work theory can improve the knowledge and skills base of professional practice. Framed in a comprehensive and logical structure Part I establishes what social workers do and the tools they need; Part II considers how to assess, handle, and support change in others; Part III explores the wide range of roles that social workers must fulfill; and Part IV strengthens these links between theory and practice. Exercises, case examples, chapter summaries, and practice notes are used to great effect in each chapter, enabling students to apply theory to practice as they progress through the book. Essential Theory for Social Work is an invaluable core text for all undergraduate social work students, and offers excellent support for practitioners in their every day practice.

Table of Contents

About this book	vi
Acknowledgements	viii
Part I -- Theory and practice	1	(42)
What is social work?	3	(13)
The social work toolkit	16	(13)
What do we mean by `theory'?	29	(14)
Part II -- Ideas about change	43	(72)
Cause and effect	45	(19)
New possibilities	64	(17)
Different levels	81	(17)
Tasks and crises	98	(17)
Part III -- Ideas about roles	115	(54)
Advocacy and empowerment	117	(15)
Working with others	132	(18)
Coercive powers	150	(19)
Part IV -- It's all very well in theory	169	(29)
Rhetoric and reality	171	(14)
The limits of theory	185	(13)
References	198	(4)
Index	202