Social Work in the 21st Century is a T1 for courses called Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare. It is an overview of the Welfare system in America and it gives special attention to the role of a social worker and how they have historically interacted with the system. This book is written as an alternative to the market leader, Zastrow, which is highly dense introduction to the social welfare system and social work. The course is open to all majors and is often the course that draws students into the major of social work. This book is intended to get students excited about the profession and thinking critically about what social workers do and how they operate within the larger system. Unique features of the text include pedagogical features such as "You be the Social Worker," "Questions to Determine your Frame of Reference," "Info tables," and detailed cases with discussion questions. All these features reviewed very well in the text, and all are going to be retained, updated and expanded in the new edition. In addition, the author will add interviews with social workers in various roles and contexts. Reviewers made some very valuable recommendations for the new edition. They include the following: Incorporating a greater focus on the Person in Environment perspective (unique to social work) and a greater focus on macro issues and policy. They also recommended adding more visually appealing elements such as more photos throughout the text. A new feature will be invited essays by social workers in various roles from across the country. This will give students a first hand experience of the variety of roles social workers perform. In addition, the author will update the book to reflect recent current events, such as the historic election, the recent catastrophes and government response (since the book's publication) and will incorporate a greater emphasis on international issues. Finally, the author will give great

This introductory social work book provides both a theoretical and applied overview of the U.S. social welfare system, with international perspectives throughout. Other strengths include themes of empowerment theory and practice and an ecosystems framework. Part I is devoted to the history of social work in the U.S. as well as issues of economic oppression, social oppression, human rights, and restorative justice. Part II is devoted to social work across the life cycle.

Karen K. Kirst-Ashman's introductory book enhances readers' ability to grasp the essence and spirit of generalist social work and the issues in social welfare that social workers address every day. Giving those who are contemplating a career in social work a solid introduction to the profession, Kirst-Ashman presents a balanced introductory look within a unifying theme of critical thinking that trains readers to be more evaluative of key concepts. This fifth edition is completely updated in every chapter, and includes practice concepts, social welfare policy concepts, history and current state of the profession, the contexts of practice and populations served, and professional development. Written in a clear and straightforward manner, the book provides numerous case examples to illustrate social work practice. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Poverty, unemployment, limited access to health care: the litany of ills plaguing contemporary society seems endless, reflective of the pragmatic and philosophical battles waged to overcome what some perceive as insurmountable obstacles. What role has the state played in mitigating the effects of these harsh realities? Offering a comprehensive survey of past and present programs, Social Welfare considers the substance and results of government intervention. Shaped by the works of such distinguished figures as Martin Luther, Adam Smith, and Charles Darwin, this incisive text charts the progression of social welfare policy from inception to its current status. David Macarov links present policy to the convergence of five interacting motivations: mutual aid, religion, politics, economics, and ideology. In identifying these elements, Macarov assays the significance of each in determining the nature of social welfare and its future. Featuring chapter summaries and exercises, this intriguing introduction to social welfare policy and practice will involve and inform students of social work, political science, and sociology. "David Macarov has written a handy introductory social policy text for undergraduate that transcends the descriptive accounts of the social services that pervade the literature. Unlike many other introductory texts, Macarov does not seek to list the major social services and describe their functioning but focuses instead on the role of ideas and wider social forces in social welfare. The book is easy to read and thoroughly supported with recommendations for additional reading. It is a useful addition to the literature." --Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

James Midgley provides a broad overview of social welfare, outlining key institutions, terminology, historical research, and approaches. He also details reasons for the existence of international social welfare and the challenges that arise from it. The author includes an important section on applied international social welfare that addresses the concerns of practitioners--concerns that have been neglected in much of the literature in the field. An entire section of the book is devoted to issues of social work practice, social developments, the activities of international agencies, and their collaborative efforts. While practical application is an important focus of the book, several chapters deal with key theoretical debates in the field. The author also includes descriptive chapters that provide comprehensive accounts of world social conditions and social welfare institutions.