Social Work Theories in Context

'The third edition shows her leading contribution to and engagement with professional and academic social work.' * Professor Siv Oltedal, University of Stavanger, Norway * "As a teacher who has used this text in the classroom over many years, I am very pleased to recommend the third edition of Social Work Theories in Context. Karen communicates complex foundational ideas and theories for social work in straightforward ways along with case examples, which I believe is essential for students anticipating their placements in the near future." * Dr. Tina Kostecki, Victoria University, Australia * 'A classic text is now even better. Karen Healy's third edition enriches a student's appreciation of the complexity and importance of contexts by linking critical theories within a dynamic practice approach.' * Professor Carmen Perillo, York University, Canada * 'Healy's book, Social Work Theories in Context, is an essential tool for social work students and practitioners and provides important insights on critical and contemporary theories and perspectives while highlighting their relevance to current issues.' * Dr. Patrina Duhaney, University of Calgary, Canada *

Karen Healy is Professor of Social Work in the School of Social Work and Human Services at the University of Queensland, Australia. She has a strong background in social work practice and has practised as a social work in health, youth and child protective services. She is the author of four books and numerous papers on many aspects of social work practice and policy studies. She regularly conducts lectures and workshops in Australia and in Europe, particularly in Nordic countries.

List of Figures and Tables Preface Acknowledgements Part 1 Introduction 1 Understanding our Context 2 A Dynamic Model of Practice Part 2 Discourses Shaping Practice Contexts 3 Dominant Discourses in Health and Welfare: Biomedicine and neoliberalism. 4 Behavioural and Social Science Discourses: 'Psy' and Sociological Ideas in Social Work 5 Alternative Discourses: Citizen Rights, Religion and Spirituality, and Environmental Social Work Part 3 Social Work Theories for Practice 6 Four Waves of Systems Theories: From General Systems Theory to Ecosocial Work. 7 Problem-solving Approaches: Focusing on Task-centred Practice 8 Relationship-based, Strengths and Solution-focused Practice 9 Modern Critical Social Work: Addressing Structural Contexts 10 'Post-Theories': Postmodern, Poststructural and Postcolonial Approaches. 11 Creating Frameworks for Practice Bibliography Index