Just Practice: A Social Justice Approach to Social Work - Softcover

Finn, Janet L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1578790468 ISBN 13: 9781578790463

Publisher: Eddie Bowers Publishing ,U.S., 2003

Synopsis

Just Practice provides a foundation for critical and creative social work that focuses on the profession's historical commitment to social justice. The book integrates theory, skills, ethics, and rights and responds to the complex terrain of 21st century social work. Just Practice moves beyond the traditional foundations curriculum, however, to engage in an exploration of the complexities and the potential of social work. It is in part a reclamation project, recovering the histories, stories, and sense of urgency and possibility that has sparked the imagination and fueled the commitment of those engaged in social justice-oriented work through the decades.

The book facilitates participatory learning in the classroom by engaging students in question posing, self-reflection, and critical inquiry into the history, knowledge, values and skills of social work. Finn challenges students to recognize and address forms and mechanisms of oppression and privilege that shape both their work and the world around them. Each chapter includes learning activities, reflection moments, practice examples, and the stories and voices of practitioners and service users to engage students as critical thinkers and practitioners. The author encourages teachers and students alike to take risks, move from safe, familiar pedagogical spaces and practices, challenge assumptions, and embrace uncertainty.

About this title

Synopsis

This book introduces a new, integrated framework for social work theory and practice that builds upon five key themes: meaning, context, power, history, and possibility. Its central focus, a social justice approach to social work, reflects the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) call to better integrate themes of social justice and diversity, and social science knowledge into the theory and practice of social work. The text prepares students for participatory approaches to engagement, teaching-learning, action, accompaniment, evaluation, critical reflection, and celebration, the seven core processes of the Just Practice Framework. Linkages among practice, research, and policy are integrated throughout the text. The book prepares social workers to engage in new forms of collaborative assessment, planning, intervention, and institution building that 21st century practice demands. A series of reflection and action exercises are included throughout the text. They provide opportunity for creative thought and action, bring class participants together in collaborative learning, and contribute to the practitioner's tool kit for future social 'justice' work.

Well suited as a primary text for courses in multilevel social work practice at the graduate and advanced undergraduate levels.

About the Author

Janet L. Finn (MSW, Eastern Washington University; PhD, University of Michigan) is Professor of Social Work at The University of Montana and faculty member in the International Development Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies programs. She has authored and co-edited numerous books and articles about social justice, community, women, childhood, youth, and transnational issues.

Edition details

• Publisher: Eddie Bowers Publishing ,U.S.
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1578790468
• ISBN 13: 9781578790463
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 452