Find out howand whylegislation has made economic rights more important than human rights Since 1996, politicians and public officials in the United States have celebrated the success of welfare reform legislation despite little, if any, evidence to support their claims. The Promise of Welfare Reform: Political Rhetoric and the Reality of Poverty in the Twenty-First Century presents articles from 23 community practitioners and researchers who challenge the reform that has turned public aid from a right to a privilege. The authors transcend conventional academic writing, offering careful and thoughtful analysis that examines the history of welfare reform, its connection to poverty, family issues, and the impact of racism on poverty and on the treatment of the poor. The Promise of Welfare Reform analyzes the consequences over the past ten years of legislative changes made to the public assistance program formerly known as Aid to Families with Dependant Children (AFDC). This powerful book examines the social, political, and economic context of welfare reform, including the elimination of poverty as a societal goal, how racial and ethic groups have been targeted, popular stereotypes about the poor and their work ethic, anti-immigrant hostility, the struggles of single mothers with children, domestic violence, and marriage as a realistic escape from poverty. The book's authors address the need for empathy and understanding to change public sentiments about welfare and poverty. Contributors to The Promise of Welfare Reform include: Elizabeth A. Segal and Keith M. Kilty, co-founding editors of the Journal of Poverty (Haworth) Frances Fox Piven, co-author of Regulating the Poor: The Functions of Public Welfare Ann Withorn, co-editor of For Crying Out Loud: Women's Poverty in the United States Mimi Abramovitz, author of Under Attack, Fighting Back: Women and Welfare in the United States Joel Blau, co-author with Mimi Abramovitz of The Dynamics of Social Welfare Policy Margaret K. Nelson, author of The Social Economy of Single Mothers: Raising Children in Rural America Gwendolyn Mink, co-editor of Welfare: A Documentary History of U.S. Policy and Politics Kenneth J. Neubeck, co-author of Welfare Racism: Playing the Race Card Against America's Poor Lynn Fujiwara, author of Sanctioning Immigrants: Asian Immigrant Women and the Racial Politics of Welfare Reform Nancy C. Jurik, author of Bootstrap Dreams: U.S. Microenterprise Developments in an Era of Welfare Reform and much more! The Promise of Welfare Reform challenges current views on welfare reform and promotes alternative methods to alleviate poverty. It is an essential resource for sociologists, political scientists, economists, public policy and management specialists, social welfare and human services workers, and anyone else concerned about changes made to public assistance by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Learn why it is imperative to bring a progressive focus back to social welfare policy! This vital book explores recent research on poverty and inequality, identifies strategies for ensuring adequate services, and challenges many of the inaccurate beliefs that were used to justify welfare reform legislation in 1996. You'll find up-to-date information on various marginalized groups and their social problems, including lack of health coverage for women with mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence problems. In addition, you'll find data on the health coverage situation for the poor, for Appalachians, and for women in general. Finally, Rediscovering the Other America: The Continuing Crisis of Poverty and Inequality in the United States suggests strategies for changing public perceptions about the nature of poverty and the poor. From the editors: In 1962, Michael Harrington published The Other America, which documented how deeply entrenched poverty and inequality were in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Four decades later, we find it necessary once again to rediscover this profound social condition. The purpose of this book is to awaken policymakers and the public to this situation once again, in order to affect the nature of public policies dealing with these issues. Rediscovering the Other America: The Continuing Crisis of Poverty and Inequality in the United States covers a wide range of issues, some similar to what Harrington described in 1962 and some reflecting recent social, political, and economic developments. Specifically, the book addresses: providing health care coverage for the poor why poverty persisted during the economic boom of the Clinton presidency politicians' views and beliefs regarding poverty, welfare, and welfare recipients the impact of the 1996 welfare reform legislation on the nonprofit sector economic differences between women and men poverty in Appalachia the impact of welfare reform on those who receive public assistance

Understand the social factors that challenge this fast-growing community The Latino community will soon be the largest minority population in the United States. Although Hispanics have been part of the American scene since before independence, their issues have only recently drawn the attention of the mainstream. Latino Poverty in the New Century takes a clear look at the reasons why poverty and inequality are still major concerns for Hispanic citizens and residents. This keen analysis examines how apparently neutral, even well-meaning social and educational policies can have a devastating effect. The interlocking consequences of language problems, educational problems, gangs, poverty, and illness become a vicious cycle. Despite pervasive patterns of discrimination and subtle barriers to achievement, the Latino community still displays its power. Latino Poverty in the New Century reveals how a faith-based community organization succeeded in adapting indigenous networks and culturally relevant sources of support and power to create a strong community presence.Latino Poverty in the New Century offers a rich, detailed analysis of the challenges that face Hispanics in the United States: the implications of US immigration policy for immigrants, refugees, and native-born Latino citizens the language barriers that can prevent Latinos from full participation in both society and educational programs health care policies and the sometimes tragic consequences of the lack of medical insurance the role of extracurricular activities in keeping Latino students in school the twin calamities known as gentrification and urban blightThis comprehensive book provides social workers and policymakers with wide-ranging analyses of some of the pressing issues and social policies that affect Hispanics in the United States. Latino Poverty in the New Century explores ways to keep Latino youth in high school, promote community organization, encourage Latinos to vote, and increase your understanding of migration dynamics. Containing current research and case studies, this valuable book will help you comprehend the challenges that Latinos face in this country and respect the gains they have made in spite of the obstacles in their way.

A much-needed, indispensable volume for anyone involved in the social services or human services field, Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities supplies you with vital information that will assist you in offering culturally sensitive services to your clients. You will gain a new perspective from the blending of traditional academic research with the voices of those most intimately affected. From Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities, you will learn proven methods that will help you offer successful and effective services to your Native American clients.Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities reveals the stark realities facing American Indian people today. Through this compelling book you will gain new insight into the challenges presented to Native Americans and how to help your clients face these challenges by: learning how to assist American Indian families through an increased understanding of the new time-limited welfare assistance that generally only impacts them if they live off the reservation examining how poverty and a lack of infrastructure and social services exacerbates the problems Navajo women face when leaving violence in their homes using the positive power of language through case examples of American Indian women to understand how stories and their implications change significantly depending on if they are interpreted from a deficit or strength perspectiveFrom the information in Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities, you will gain new insight into specific problems facing American Indian people, including welfare reform 's devastating effects on American Indians trying live off the reservation and the impact of reservation isolation on domestic violence. The information in Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities will help you provide culturally sensitive services to Native Americans and assist them in increasing their quality of life.

What does it mean to be a social worker? Get an overview of the social work profession and learn about the role of the social worker in the social welfare system with Segal, Gerdes and Steiner's text. Through case studies, personal stories and exercises, AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PROFESSION OF SOCIAL WORK helps you apply concepts as well as understand what social workers do, what they need to know and the issues they face. Part of the Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series, the sixth edition is completely up to date. It also prepares you for a successful career by integrating the core competencies and recommended practice behaviors outlined in the most recent Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Segal's EMPOWERMENT SERIES: SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS, ENHANCED, 4th Edition, not only enables you to identify, describe, and analyze social welfare policies--it also draws you into an examination of the values and beliefs that drive our social welfare system. The author demonstrates how the myriad values of diverse groups in America have influenced current policies, and shows that analysis takes place through the lens of these often opposing values. The dual themes of critical thinking and critical evaluation provide the framework of the book, and Segal's inclusion of international perspectives on values around social welfare policies and social programs heightens your awareness of the global implications of social work around the world.

A much-needed, indispensable volume for anyone involved in the social services or human services field, Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities supplies you with vital information that will assist you in offering culturally sensitive services to your clients. You will gain a new perspective from the blending of traditional academic research with the voices of those most intimately affected. From Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities, you will learn proven methods that will help you offer successful and effective services to your Native American clients.Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities reveals the stark realities facing American Indian people today. Through this compelling book you will gain new insight into the challenges presented to Native Americans and how to help your clients face these challenges by: learning how to assist American Indian families through an increased understanding of the new time-limited welfare assistance that generally only impacts them if they live off the reservation examining how poverty and a lack of infrastructure and social services exacerbates the problems Navajo women face when leaving violence in their homes using the positive power of language through case examples of American Indian women to understand how stories and their implications change significantly depending on if they are interpreted from a deficit or strength perspective From the information in Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities, you will gain new insight into specific problems facing American Indian people, including welfare reform's devastating effects on American Indians trying live off the reservation and the impact of reservation isolation on domestic violence. The information in Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities will help you provide culturally sensitive services to Native Americans and assist them in increasing their quality of life.

Find out howand whylegislation has made economic rights more important than human rights Since 1996, politicians and public officials in the United States have celebrated the success of welfare reform legislation despite little, if any, evidence to support their claims. The Promise of Welfare Reform: Political Rhetoric and the Reality of Poverty in the Twenty-First Century presents articles from 23 community practitioners and researchers who challenge the reform that has turned public aid from a right to a privilege. The authors transcend conventional academic writing, offering careful and thoughtful analysis that examines the history of welfare reform, its connection to poverty, family issues, and the impact of racism on poverty and on the treatment of the poor. The Promise of Welfare Reform analyzes the consequences over the past ten years of legislative changes made to the public assistance program formerly known as Aid to Families with Dependant Children (AFDC). This powerful book examines the social, political, and economic context of welfare reform, including the elimination of poverty as a societal goal, how racial and ethic groups have been targeted, popular stereotypes about the poor and their work ethic, anti-immigrant hostility, the struggles of single mothers with children, domestic violence, and marriage as a realistic escape from poverty. The book's authors address the need for empathy and understanding to change public sentiments about welfare and poverty. Contributors to The Promise of Welfare Reform include: Elizabeth A. Segal and Keith M. Kilty, co-founding editors of the Journal of Poverty (Haworth) Frances Fox Piven, co-author of Regulating the Poor: The Functions of Public Welfare Ann Withorn, co-editor of For Crying Out Loud: Women's Poverty in the United States Mimi Abramovitz, author of Under Attack, Fighting Back: Women and Welfare in the United States Joel Blau, co-author with Mimi Abramovitz of The Dynamics of Social Welfare Policy Margaret K. Nelson, author of The Social Economy of Single Mothers: Raising Children in Rural America Gwendolyn Mink, co-editor of Welfare: A Documentary History of U.S. Policy and Politics Kenneth J. Neubeck, co-author of Welfare Racism: Playing the Race Card Against America's Poor Lynn Fujiwara, author of Sanctioning Immigrants: Asian Immigrant Women and the Racial Politics of Welfare Reform Nancy C. Jurik, author of Bootstrap Dreams: U.S. Microenterprise Developments in an Era of Welfare Reform and much more! The Promise of Welfare Reform challenges current views on welfare reform and promotes alternative methods to alleviate poverty. It is an essential resource for sociologists, political scientists, economists, public policy and management specialists, social welfare and human services workers, and anyone else concerned about changes made to public assistance by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Understand the social factors that challenge this fast-growing community The Latino community will soon be the largest minority population in the United States. Although Hispanics have been part of the American scene since before independence, their issues have only recently drawn the attention of the mainstream. Latino Poverty in the New Century takes a clear look at the reasons why poverty and inequality are still major concerns for Hispanic citizens and residents. This keen analysis examines how apparently neutral, even well-meaning social and educational policies can have a devastating effect. The interlocking consequences of language problems, educational problems, gangs, poverty, and illness become a vicious cycle. Despite pervasive patterns of discrimination and subtle barriers to achievement, the Latino community still displays its power. Latino Poverty in the New Century reveals how a faith-based community organization succeeded in adapting indigenous networks and culturally relevant sources of support and power to create a strong community presence.Latino Poverty in the New Century offers a rich, detailed analysis of the challenges that face Hispanics in the United States: the implications of US immigration policy for immigrants, refugees, and native-born Latino citizens the language barriers that can prevent Latinos from full participation in both society and educational programs health care policies and the sometimes tragic consequences of the lack of medical insurance the role of extracurricular activities in keeping Latino students in school the twin calamities known as gentrification and urban blight This comprehensive book provides social workers and policymakers with wide-ranging analyses of some of the pressing issues and social policies that affect Hispanics in the United States. Latino Poverty in the New Century explores ways to keep Latino youth in high school, promote community organization, encourage Latinos to vote, and increase your understanding of migration dynamics. Containing current research and case studies, this valuable book will help you comprehend the challenges that Latinos face in this country and respect the gains they have made in spite of the obstacles in their way.

Empathy is a widely used term, but it is also difficult to define. In recent years, the field of cognitive neuroscience has made impressive strides in identifying neural networks in the brain related to or triggered by empathy. Still, what exactly do we mean when we say that someone has-or lacks-empathy? How is empathy distinguished from sympathy or pity? And is society truly suffering from an "empathy deficit," as some experts have charged?? In Assessing Empathy, Elizabeth A. Segal and colleagues marshal years of research to present a comprehensive definition of empathy, one that links neuroscientific evidence to human service practice. The book begins with a discussion of our current understanding of empathy in neurological, biological, and behavioral terms. The authors explain why empathy is important on both the individual and societal levels. They then introduce the concepts of interpersonal empathy and social empathy, and how these processes can interrelate or operate separately. Finally, they examine the weaknesses of extant empathy assessments before introducing three new, validated measures: the Empathy Assessment Index, the Social Empathy Index, and the Interpersonal and Social Empathy Index.

Our ability to understand others and help others understand us is essential to our individual and collective well-being. Yet there are many barriers that keep us from walking in the shoes of others: fear, skepticism, and power structures that separate us from those outside our narrow groups. To progress in a multicultural world and ensure our common good, we need to overcome these obstacles. Our best hope can be found in the skill of empathy. In Social Empathy, Elizabeth A. Segal explains how we can develop our ability to understand one another and have compassion toward different social groups. When we are socially empathic, we not only imagine what it is like to be another person, but we consider their social, economic, and political circumstances and what shaped them. Segal explains the evolutionary and learned components of interpersonal and social empathy, including neurobiological factors and the role of social structures. Ultimately, empathy is not only a part of interpersonal relations: it is fundamental to interactions between different social groups and can be a way to bridge diverse people and communities. A clear and useful explanation of an often misunderstood concept, Social Empathy brings together sociology, psychology, social work, and cognitive neuroscience to illustrate how to become better advocates for justice.

Empathy is a widely used term, but it is also difficult to define. In recent years, the field of cognitive neuroscience has made impressive strides in identifying neural networks in the brain related to or triggered by empathy. Still, what exactly do we mean when we say that someone has-or lacks-empathy? How is empathy distinguished from sympathy or pity? And is society truly suffering from an "empathy deficit," as some experts have charged?? In Assessing Empathy, Elizabeth A. Segal and colleagues marshal years of research to present a comprehensive definition of empathy, one that links neuroscientific evidence to human service practice. The book begins with a discussion of our current understanding of empathy in neurological, biological, and behavioral terms. The authors explain why empathy is important on both the individual and societal levels. They then introduce the concepts of interpersonal empathy and social empathy, and how these processes can interrelate or operate separately. Finally, they examine the weaknesses of extant empathy assessments before introducing three new, validated measures: the Empathy Assessment Index, the Social Empathy Index, and the Interpersonal and Social Empathy Index.

Segal, Gerdes, and Steiner's AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PROFESSION OF SOCIAL WORK introduces readers to the social work profession and describes the role of social worker in the social welfare system. Through case studies, personal stories, and exercises, this social work text helps readers apply the concepts and truly understand what it means to be a social worker. Part of the Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series, the fourth edition is completely up to date and thoroughly integrates the core competencies and recommended practice behaviors outlined in the most recent Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).