As the end of the second decade of democracy in South Africa approaches, deep political and social scars remain, and negativity continues to co-exist with hope and optimism. Practical issues of governance have become pertinent: accountability, delivery of services, balancing the state budget, macroeconomic policies to encourage sustainable growth and fighting corruption in the state sector. Government and politics in South Africa is an introductory narrative on the government and politics of contemporary South Africa, covering both key political institutions and major processes and policies. Government and politics in South Africa provides an analysis and evaluation of South Africa's political transitions; national, provincial and local government; party politics and the policy dynamics associated with these governments; and international political economy and foreign policy. It is based on the historic 1994 democratic settlement and the political developments and practices in the country since then, from the election of Nelson Mandela as the first head of state, to the emergence of the Jacob Zuma presidency. Government and politics in South Africa is aimed at students and other interested observers to the intricacies of South African politics and the operations of the country's governments.

The introduction to sociology series aims to present foundational sociology in a unique way. The series introduces students to debates that are current and alive in modern sociology, especially those in southern Africa. As they move from topic to topic, students will build up an advanced repetoire of technical language and concepts. Discussions are always clear and accesible. Coherently structured with a developing and cumulative theme, each book is written in a lucid, logical, and organised way, promoting the fundamental skill of sequential argument that all students must learn at university level. In addition, exercises at the end of each book are carefully constructed to develop cognitive skills. This particular book, Social Institutions, is an introduction to the field in sociology, with an emphasis on the family and education, especially those issues relevant to southern Africa and the developing world.

In a clear and easy-to-understand style, BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND: FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, 10th Edition lays out basic questions any student of early childhood education -- including you -- would want answered. It also presents key concepts, the latest research, and practical examples so that questions are thoroughly answered. Coverage of the current Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) is woven throughout the text, as is material on diversity and development, which enables you to understand that issues of age, gender, race/ethnicity, ability, and family are part of every aspect of teaching and learning. Every chapter has a feature focused on how brain-based research is connected to development, and another that highlights intentional teaching. Through its tone, visuals, and pedagogy, the book is accessible to and respectful of readers with a range of abilities and learning styles.

Building on the strengths of the second edition, this highly regarded textbook continues to provide the best introduction to the strategies of comparative research in political science. Divided into three parts, the book begins by examining different methods, applying these methods to dominant issues in comparative politics using a wealth of topical examples from around the world, and then discusses the new challenges in the area. New to this edition: features explanation of regression analysis with accompanied briefing boxes new discussion of the assumptions, research design, and the use of statistics characteristic of many-country comparisons single and multi-country studies - how to compare countries and address problems of comparison, especially the principles for selecting countries new chapter on the intersection between international relations and comparative politics all chapters have been updated with new publications and research output relevant to the discussion. Balancing reader friendly features with high quality analysis makes this popular academic text essential reading for everyone interested comparative politics and research methods.

Abnormal Psychology provides a good introduction to the study of psychological disorders from a South African perspective. The book refers to both International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) criteria to classify and define mental disorders. It is aimed at second- and third-year students following courses in Psychopathology or Abnormal Psychology at universities and is endorsed by PsySSA.
The second edition of Abnormal Psychology features new chapters on western and African aetiological models, psychological manifestations of physical illness, and mental wellness. It includes South African research where relevant with a greater focus on analysing South African contexts.

Sociology, Work and Organisation builds on the five popular and successful editions of Sociology, Work and Industry. The new text is outstanding in how effectively it explains the value of using the sociological imagination to understand the nature of institutions of work, organisations, occupations, management and employment and how they are changing in the 21st century.

The book combines intellectual depth with accessible language and a user-friendly layout. It is unrivalled in the breadth of its coverage and its authoritative overview of both traditional and emergent themes in the sociological study of work and organisation. It explains the basic logic of the sociological analysis of work and the way work is organised, whilst also providing an appreciation of the different theoretical traditions which the subject draws upon. It fully considers:

• the direction and implication of trends in technological change, globalisation, labour markets, work organisation, managerial practices and employment relations
• the extent to which these trends are intimately related to changing patterns of inequality in modern societies and to the changing experiences of individuals and families
• the ways in which workers challenge, resist and make their own contributions to the patterning of work and shaping of work institutions.

Key features include: a new sign-posting system which integrates material and brings out themes which run through the various chapters; key issue guides and summaries with each chapter; and the identifying of key concepts throughout the book, which are then brought together in an unrivalled glossary and concept guide at the end.

Does life have any meaning for you? Is it possible to create meaning? What do you think life is about? Do you think life is worth living?

These questions, taken from the text of Rethinking Our World, challenge the reader to look critically and creatively at many of society’s traditional beliefs. They encourage readers to look at their world differently by asking questions about change, identity and direction. The authors outline the major figures and basic principles of each philosophy, then analyse the type of thinking each approach encourages. They go on to challenge readers to examine ways in which the different approaches can be used to understand the world.

Rethinking Our World will be invaluable to undergraduate students in the human and social sciences, as well as to a more general readership seeking an understanding of the arguments in the major philosophies.

How can social workers, psychologists and counsellors improve communication with their clients? What can these facilitators do to enhance their listening and empathic skills? How can they create an environment of trust in which clients - be they individuals, goups, families, or communities - can develop and grow effectively?

Person-Centred Facilitation presents the theory and practice of the person-centred approach to facilitating counselling, as developed by Carl Rogers. The text provides an introduction to the person-centred approach in relation to individuals, groups, families and communities. It offers a solid theoretical grounding which supports both academic learning and applied practice, and guides readers' understanding and self-development.

Revised and updated, the fourth edition integrates values from an African cultural perspective, and reflects the importance of social justice as an element of the developmental counselling process. It offers a wealth of South African case studies, an entirely new section on family counselling, and an expanded focus on group work counselling. Other expanded areas include aspects of constructivism; cross-cultural communication; people in conflict, and the self of the facilitator, the latter two aspects having been integrated into the text of the various chapters.

Psychology: Themes and Variations is a truly South African version of the landmark text by Wayne Weiten. Editor Junaid Hassim leads a team of respected academics and practising professionals in psychology and related disciplines across South Africa. Together they address complex topics and a range of approaches to provide a comprehensive but accessible introduction to the field.