Promotional Information

Lundy's second edition is timely in its critical analysis of the social, economic, and political context of contemporary social work practice. The book provides excellent guidance for social work students, educators, and practitioners who want to work toward changing the social structures that exploit and dehumanize people. -- Ben Carniol, Ryerson University, author of Case Critical: Social Services and Social Justice in Canada, sixth edition What distinguishes this text from so many others is the combination of a compelling framework for social justice joined with a clear application to practice, whether individual, group, community, or organization. -- Steve Burghardt, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College (CUNY)

Table of Contents

List of Figures and Tables
List of Abbreviations
Foreword, Roland Lecomte
Preface
The Challenge for Social Work
Organization of the Chapters
Acknowledgements

Part One: Structural and Theoretical Framework



Chapter 1: Social Work, Social Welfare, and the Global Economy

The Global Capitalist Economy
Neoliberalism
The Role of the Military
Imposed Structural Adjustment Programs
What do International Trade Agreements Have To Do with Social Work?
Unemployment, Poverty, and Social Protection
Measuring Poverty
Understanding Individual and Social Problems in a Structural Context
The Role of the State

Chapter 2: Pursuing Social Justice, Human Rights, and Peace

The United Nations and the Emergence of Human Rights
Social Work and the United Nations
The Development of Human Rights
Militarism, Armed Conflict, and Non-State Terrorism
A War with No End
Opposing Militarism
Social Injustice is Killing People
Social Justice and Human Rights: The Challenge to the Profession
Call to Action

Chapter 3: Historical Developments in Social Work

The Early Years: Responding to Poverty and Establishing Legitimacy
Charity Organization Societies
Settlements
Establishing the Foundations of the Profession
The Diagnostic and Functional Schools
Professional Associations
Specialization and Fragmentation
Responses during the Great Depression
Social Work in the Era of Retrenchment
In Search of a Generalist Practice Framework
Functional Systems Theory
Marxist Systems Theory
Divisions in Social Work
Postmodernism

Chapter 4: Structural Social Work: Theory, Ideology, and Practice Principles

The Context of Social Work Practice
Theory, Models, and Approaches
Taking Ideology into Account
Organizing Frameworks
Structural Social Work
The Role of Social Structures
Principles and Practices of Structural Social Work
1. Defence of the Client
2. Collectivization
3. Materialization
4. Increasing Client Power in the Worker-Client Relationship
5. Enhancing the Client's Power through Personal Change
A Summary

Chapter 5: The Importance of Inequality and Social Location

Taking Social Class into Account
Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Diversity
Women's Long March to Equality
Women's Work
Unlearning Sexism
Women's Rights are Human Rights
Sexual Diversity
Persons with Disabilities
The Impact of Inequality and Discrimination
Addressing Injustice

Chapter 6: Legal and Ethical Social Work Practice

Social Work Code of Ethics
Malpractice
The Process of Ethical Decision-making
Informed Consent
Confidentiality
Duty to Warn
Duty to Report
Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships
Guidelines for Record Keeping
Ethical Responsibilities to the Workplace
Ethical Responsibilities for Social Change and Social Justice

Part Two: Practice Within a Structural Context


Chapter 7: The Helping Process: Assessment and Intervention

Agency Context
Personal and Political Tuning-In
The Helping Relationship
Clarifying the Social Work Role and the Process of the Interview
The Assessment
Human Needs and Human Rights
Assessment Format
Assessment Tools
Family Tree/Genogram
Eco-map
Social Network Map
Life Line
The Contract
Ending the Interview

Chapter 8: Facilitating Empowerment and Change

Empowerment
Power and Powerlessness
The Change Process
Connecting the Structural and the Personal
Critical Thinking and Consciousness-raising
Skills of Reflection and Action
1. The Skill of Empathy
2. Posing Relevant Questions
3. Self Disclosure/Sharing a View
4. Reframing/Restorying
5. Identifying Strengths
6. Communicating Effectively
7. Presenting a Challenge

Chapter 9: Immigrant and Refugee Settlement: Culturally Sensitive Practice

Social Work and Settlement
The Immigration and Refugee Process
Categories of Immigration/Refugee Status
Convention Refugees
Immigrants
Arrival, Settlement, and Integration
An Unwelcoming Environment
Health Concerns
Cultural Diversity and Relevant Practice Responses
Cultural Competency
The Role of Spirituality and Religion

Chapter 10: Social Work Practice in Mental Health

Understanding the Stress/Disease Connection
Mental Health Concerns
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The Sickening of Society
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Considering Gender and Culture
Stigma
Psychotropic Medications
Central Nervous System and Psychopharmacology
1. Antipsychotic Medications
2. Antidepressant Medications
3. Mood-Stabilizing Drugs
4. Anti-Anxiety Medications
5. Psychostimulants
Medication Management
A Case From Practice: Peter from Sudan
Context
Background
Social Work Assessment and Plan
Engagement/Developing a Relationship
Drug Overuse and Addiction
Loss

Chapter 11: Supporting Families and Couples

The Importance of Healthy Relationships
Working with Families
Starting Out with the Family
Attachment Theory
Case Example: A Family in Ontario
Working with Couples
Emotionally Focused Therapy

Chapter 12: Use of Groups for Empowerment and Support

Planning the Group
Personal Preparation
Group Structure
Group Membership
Location and Time of the Group
Working with a Co-facilitator
Attending to Special Needs
Getting Started
Personal/Political Tuning-In
Introductions
Guidelines and Ground Rules
The Group Session
Helping Members Tell Their Story
Use of Contracts
Use of Homework
Giving Feedback
Use of Structured Activities
Critical Thinking and Problem-Posing
Ending the Session
Challenges in Group Work
Lack of Participation
Promoting Co-operation
Diversity and Conflict
Group Closure

Chapter 13: Community-Based Social Work Practice

Approaches to Community-based Practice
Assessment and Strategies for Change
Entering the Community
Identifying Concerns/Needs and Social Action
Community Functioning
Empowerment through Participation
Arts and Performance in the Disability Community
Fighting for Social Justice

Chapter 14: The Workplace, Professional Associations, and Union Membership

The Workplace
Organizational Analysis
The Professionalization and Regulation of Social Work
Social Work Regulation
The Struggle for Regulation in Ontario
The Role of Unions
The Way Forward: Social Work, Social Justice, and Human Rights

Appendices

Appendix A: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Appendix B: Canadian Association of Social Workers, Code of Ethics
Appendix C: Canadian Association of Social Workers, Guidelines for Ethical Practice
Appendix D: Reflecting on Your Family
Bibliography
Index

About the Author

Colleen Lundy is Professor in the School of Social Work at Carleton University in Ottawa. She is the co-author, with Therese Jennissen, of One Hundred Years of Social Work: A History of the Profession in English Canada, 1900-2000 (Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2011).

Reviews

Lundy's second edition is timely in its critical analysis of the social, economic, and political context of contemporary social work practice. The book provides excellent guidance for social work students, educators, and practitioners who want to work toward changing the social structures that exploit and dehumanize people.--Ben Carniol, Ryerson University, author of Case Critical: Social Services and Social Justice in Canada, sixth edition
What distinguishes this text from so many others is the combination of a compelling framework for social justice joined with a clear application to practice, whether individual, group, community, or organization.--Steve Burghardt, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College (CUNY)