First published in 1970, the aim of the book is to 'map the logical geography' of an important set of concepts which enter into the theory of social casework - those concerning the individual and society. Concepts examined include the individually orientated values of 'self-direction' and 'acceptance', and those of 'role', 'adjustment' and 'integration', which express the individual's relation to society. The author's main concern is to see whether a coherent theory of the relationship between individual and society can be given in terms of these concepts and to argue that such a theory is fundamental to casework discussion. Mr Plant also discusses what, if any, social or political commitments the activity of casework presupposes, and evaluates the view that casework is 'apolitical'.

The need for an alternative to conventional social work is more obvious today than ever before. Given its acceptance of our present social order and its emphasis on reform of the individual and limited social reform, conventional social work appears powerless to deal with the increasing socialproblems that have already overloaded a diminishing welfare state. By continuing to recycle mainstream theories of social work practice that do nothing to change the present order, conventional social work actually contributes to the ideological hegemony of patriarchy, classism, racism and otheroppressive thought structures. The New Structural Social Work reveals the shortcoming of welfare capitalism as a social system and shows how conventional social work has failed to respond to systemic social problems. Mullaly presents a coherent and consistent theory of progressive social work, with oppression as its centralfocus, and examines elements of its political practice. It is shown how this practice is carried out within the social agency, outside the agency, and within the personal lives of structural social workers. This third edition has been extensively revised and updated, and includes.DT an expanded discussion of the political paradigms that influence social work in CanadaDT a new chapter on feminist, antiracist, and postmodernist critiques of the neo-conservative, liberal, social democratic, and Marxist paradigms that dominated the nineteenth and twentieth centuriesDT a new chapter that assesses the influence of the 'Third Way' and the role that social work plays in Third Way jurisdictions such as the UK.DT improved pedagogical aids to make this book more accessible to the mid-level university market.

A comprehensive introduction to ethical decision making with practical guidance regarding professional misconduct.

This collection of essays highlights ethical issues in social work which are often overlooked as well as recurring clashes that influence how they play out, for example among different values and related moral judgements. A wide range of ethical issues are addressed such as the types of technologies incorporated into social work; issues raised by the common position of social workers as 'double agents' required to carry out state mandates while also honoring obligations to clients; and issues concerning the distribution of scarce resources. These topics are integrally related to other often neglected concerns such as harming in the name of helping; the ethics of claims making regarding what is true and what is not, and related concerns regarding empowerment and social justice. This collection, which includes essays from an array of professions and disciplines, is designed to bring these neglected topics to the attention of readers and to offer suggestions for addressing them in a manner that is faithful to obligations described in social work codes of ethics.

Social work currently faces some of its biggest challenges as a profession. This book provides a systematic exploration of the whole range of methods and approaches taking in client groups from young offenders to elderly people.

Initially published in 1974, this is a work of applied social and political philosophy which relates the philsophical analysis to various forms of community work theory and practice. Raymond Plant emphasizes that 'community' has a wide range of both descriptive meanings and evaluative connotations, linking this dual role of the word in the description and evaluation of social experience to its history in ideological confrontations. The book takes account of some liberal criticisms of the community ideal, and finally seeks to re-state a theory of community compatible with a liberal ideology.