Qualitative Research in Social Work (Introducing Qualitative Methods series)

`A really fine book... an impressive work that adds much to the development of the use of qualitative methodology in social work research′ - William J Reid, University at Albany

′The back cover of the book proclaims that "Qualitative Research in Social Work will be essential reading for all students, practitioners and researchers undertaking social work research." That just about sums it up for me′ - British Journal of Social Work

`This book is a significant milestone in the development of social work research. It is characterized by an unparalleled command of the field of qualitative research in social work, and by a commitment to an understanding of the demands and potential of day-to-day social work practice′ - Mike Fisher, Director of Research, National Institute for Social Research

`Qualitative Research in Social Work edited by Ian Shaw and Nick Gould, provides a state-of-the-art exposition and analysis of qualitative inquiry in relation to social work.... The book has an unusual degree of coherence for one with several authors. The five chapters by the editors (parts one and three) do an exceptional job of providing the necessary background information and setting the context for the six application chapters and of highlighting and discussing the issues raised in those chapters. The editors are respected scholars

well-versed in the theory and practice of qualitative research. Similarly, the contributing authors represent both considerable experience in this field and a diversity of interests. This combination makes Qualitative Research in Social Work an excellent text for students, practitioners, and researchers alike. It is a benchmark for social work progress in this area and points the way for the continued development of qualitative inquiry′ - Professor Stanley L Witkin, Department of Social Work, University of Vermont

There is a clear need for a book which treats qualitative research as a substantive theme within social work, setting epistemological and methodological issues in a context whereby the agenda is set by, and is relevant to, social work. Qualitative Research in Social Work is just such a book and will be immensely useful for students, practitioners and researchers interested in and undertaking social work research.

In the introductory chapters the co-authors set qualitative research within a context of social work developments and problems. The central section provides additional topicality and directness through specially commissioned chapters from leading figures in this field each covering key qualitative methods and relating them to social work settings, and the final section which reviews qualitative research in social work, and aims to exemplify ways in which social work thought and practice can be advanced through research.

Dr. Ian Shaw is S R Nathan Professor of Social Work at National University of Singapore and Professor Emeritus at the University of York, England. He was the first chair of the European Social Work Research Association (ESWRA) and a founder editor of the journal Qualitative Social Work. He has authored almost 100 peer-reviewed papers, more than 20 books, 60 book chapters, and various research reports. He has written extensively in the journals on issues arising from the relationship between social work and sociology over the last century. His more recent books include Social Work Science (2016) and Research and the Social Work Picture (2018). He is pursuing a graduate programme in creative writing, which sits alongside his interests in gardening, his local church, volunteering in his village shop, playing badminton (badly), and Bob Dylan.

Nick Gould is Professor of Social Work and Director of Studies for Social Work. He holds degrees from the Universities of Oxford (MSc Applied Social Studies), Sussex (BA and MA Politics) and Bath (PhD). Since qualifying as a social worker over thirty years ago he has combined an academic career with maintaining involvement in front-line practice, including serving for many years as a member of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. He has held visiting academic appointments in Australia and Hong Kong. From 2003-6 he was the National Institute for Mental Health England′s Fellow in Social Care Research. Currently he is a consultant with the Social Care Institute for Excellence, and member of the management group of the Royal College of Psychiatry′s National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health. His most recent book is ′Mental Health Social Work in Context′ (2010, Routledge).