Social work is often presented as a benevolent and politically neutral profession, avoiding discussion about its sometimes troubling political histories. This book rethinks social work's legacy and history of both political resistance and complicity with oppressive and punitive practices. Using a comparative approach with international case studies, the book uncovers the role of social workers in politically tense episodes of recent history including the anti-racist struggle in the US and the impact of colonialism in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. As the de-colonisation of curricula and Black Lives Matter movement gain momentum, the fascinating book skilfully navigates social work's collective political past while considering its future.

Social work is often presented as a benevolent and politically neutral profession, avoiding discussion about its sometimes troubling political histories. This book rethinks social work’s legacy and history of both political resistance and complicity with oppressive and punitive practices. Using a comparative approach with international case studies, the book uncovers the role of social workers in politically tense episodes of recent history, including the anti-racist struggle in the US and the impact of colonialism in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. As the de-colonisation of curricula and the Black Lives Matter movement gain momentum, this fascinating book skilfully navigates social work’s collective political past while considering its future.

Bringing together international case studies, this book offers theoretical and empirical insights into the interaction between social work and social policy. Moving beyond existing studies on policy practice, the book employs the policy cycle as a core analytical frame and focuses on the influence of social work(ers) in the problem definition, agenda setting, policy formulation and implementation of social policy. Twenty-three contributors offer examples of policy making from seven different countries and demonstrate how social work practitioners can become political actors, while also encouraging policy makers to become aware of the potential of social work for the social policy-making process.

Globalization has become a seemingly unstoppable force over recent decades and, in its wake, global notions of social justice have developed in response to its negative aspects. Neo-liberal economic policies have been a key element in the wider process of globalization, and these policies have had a profound impact on welfare provision and the shape of social work practice. Arising dissatisfaction among users of welfare and social work services is fuelling the search for a new, more radical social work that is firmly rooted in principles of social justice. Globalisation, Global Justice and Social Work explores the global effects of neo-liberal policies on welfare services in different countries, with contributions from social work academics, practitioners and welfare activists around the world. The first section of the book presents case studies of impact of neo-liberalism on welfare systems, social service provision and the practice of social work. In the second section the chapters explore the relationship between social work practice and the struggle for social justice. Authors discuss the personal and political dilemmas they have had to address in seeking to link a personal commitment to social justice with their daily practice as workers and educators in social work. The final section assesses the prospects for social work practice based on notions of social justice, by looking at what can be learned from the experience of previous radical movements as well as from emergent global and local movements.

Argues that although the collective struggles of the oppressed over welfare provision and welfare settlement have been ignored, such struggles punctuate recent British history. By presenting a series of case-studies of episodes of collective action from the field of social policy and social welfare, this text aims to rediscover this "hidden history". Organized chronologically, it covers important welfare struggles from the early 19th century. Some of the issues covered are: the growth of capitalism; the development of the poor laws and the anti-poor law movement; working class self-help welfare in the 19th century; rent-strikes on the Clyde in 1920s; the squatters movement in the 1950s; the struggle for abortion rights; an analysis of the urban riots in the 1980s; the great poll tax rebellion. "Class Struggle and Social Welfare" should be of interest for those studying social policy, sociology, politics and history. welfare provision and welfare settlement.

Argues that although the collective struggles of the oppressed over welfare provision and welfare settlement have been ignored, such struggles punctuate recent British history. By presenting a series of case-studies of episodes of collective action from the field of social policy and social welfare, this text aims to rediscover this "hidden history". Organized chronologically, it covers important welfare struggles from the early 19th century. Some of the issues covered are: the growth of capitalism; the development of the poor laws and the anti-poor law movement; working class self-help welfare in the 19th century; rent-strikes on the Clyde in 1920s; the squatters movement in the 1950s; the struggle for abortion rights; an analysis of the urban riots in the 1980s; the great poll tax rebellion. "Class Struggle and Social Welfare" should be of interest for those studying social policy, sociology, politics and history. welfare provision and welfare settlement.

Social work is under unprecedented pressure as a result of funding cuts, political interventions, marketisation and welfare transformations which, combined, are dramatically reshaping the relationship between individuals and the welfare state. A wide range of distinguished academics provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolving challenges facing contemporary social work, reflecting on both the existential and ideological threats to the profession. As well as the chief practice areas of child protection, adult care and mental health, contributors also examine practice issues surrounding older people, neoliberalism, neo-eugenics and the refugee crisis. This book offers concrete policy proposals for the future of the profession alongside valuable solutions which students and practitioners can action on the ground.

How is social work shaped by global issues and international problems and how should it address them? This book employs a radical perspective to examine international social work. Globalisation had opened up many issues for social work, including how to address global inequalities, the impact of global economic problems and trends towards neoliberalism. By examining the origins of modern social work, problematising its definition and addressing the care/control dichotomy the book reveals what we can learn from different approaches and projects across the globe. Case studies from the UK, the US, Canada, Spain, Latin America, Australia, Hungary and Greece bring the text to life and allow both students and practitioners to apply theory to practice.

Adult social care in Britain has been at the centre of much media and public attention in recent years. Revelations of horrific abuse in learning disability settings, the collapse of major private care home providers, abject failures of inspection and regulation, and uncertainty over how long-term care of older people should be funded have all given rise to serious public concern. In this short form book, part of the Critical and Radical Debates in Social Work series, Iain Ferguson and Michael Lavalette give an historical overview of adult social care. The roots of the current crisis are located in the under-valuing of older people and adults with disabilities and in the marketisation of social care over the past two decades. The authors critically examine recent developments in social work with adults, including the personalisation agenda, and the prospects for adult social care and social work in a context of seemingly never-ending austerity.

Globalization has become a seemingly unstoppable force over recent decades and, in its wake, global notions of social justice have developed in response to its negative aspects. Neo-liberal economic policies have been a key element in the wider process of globalization, and these policies have had a profound impact on welfare provision and the shape of social work practice. Arising dissatisfaction among users of welfare and social work services is fuelling the search for a new, more radical social work that is firmly rooted in principles of social justice. Globalisation, Global Justice and Social Work explores the global effects of neo-liberal policies on welfare services in different countries, with contributions from social work academics, practitioners and welfare activists around the world. The first section of the book presents case studies of impact of neo-liberalism on welfare systems, social service provision and the practice of social work. In the second section the chapters explore the relationship between social work practice and the struggle for social justice. Authors discuss the personal and political dilemmas they have had to address in seeking to link a personal commitment to social justice with their daily practice as workers and educators in social work. The final section assesses the prospects for social work practice based on notions of social justice, by looking at what can be learned from the experience of previous radical movements as well as from emergent global and local movements.

Bringing together international case studies, this book offers theoretical and empirical insights into the interaction between social work and social policy. Moving beyond existing studies on policy practice, the book employs the policy cycle as a core analytical frame and focuses on the influence of social work(ers) in the problem definition, agenda setting, policy formulation and implementation of social policy. Twenty-three contributors offer examples of policy making from seven different countries and demonstrate how social work practitioners can become political actors, while also encouraging policy makers to become aware of the potential of social work for the social policy-making process.

Without a doubt, structural and institutionalised racism is still present in Britain and Europe, a factor that social work education and training has been slow to acknowledge. In this timely new book, Lavalette and Penketh reveal that racism towards Britain's minority ethnic groups has undergone a process of change. They affirm the importance of social work to address issues of 'race' and racism in education and training by presenting a critical review of a this demanding aspect of social work practice. Original in its approach, and with diverse perspectives from key practitioners in the field, the authors examine contemporary anti-racism, including racism towards Eastern European migrants, Roma people and asylum seekers. It also considers the implications of contemporary racism for current practice. This is essential reading for anyone academically or professionally interested in social work, and the developments in this field of study post 9/11.

Social work is under unprecedented pressure as a result of funding cuts, political interventions, marketisation and welfare transformations which, combined, are dramatically reshaping the relationship between individuals and the welfare state. A wide range of distinguished academics provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolving challenges facing contemporary social work, reflecting on both the existential and ideological threats to the profession. As well as the chief practice areas of child protection, adult care and mental health, contributors also examine practice issues surrounding older people, neoliberalism, neo-eugenics and the refugee crisis. This book offers concrete policy proposals for the future of the profession alongside valuable solutions which students and practitioners can action on the ground.

How is social work shaped by global issues and international problems and how should it address them? This book employs a radical perspective to examine international social work. Globalisation had opened up many issues for social work, including how to address global inequalities, the impact of global economic problems and trends towards neoliberalism. By examining the origins of modern social work, problematising its definition and addressing the care/control dichotomy the book reveals what we can learn from different approaches and projects across the globe. Case studies from the UK, the US, Canada, Spain, Latin America, Australia, Hungary and Greece bring the text to life and allow both students and practitioners to apply theory to practice.

At the heart of both the international expansion of social work and the restructuring of social work in Britain are a number of key questions: What is social work? How relevant is its value base to practice? How can its values be operationalized? What distinguishes the social work profession from a 'mere' social work occupation? What is (or should be) the relationship between social work practice and the State? Who determines and controls what the service user needs are, how those needs are met, and which services are delivered? This book addresses these questions by looking at a number of case studies where local social work and welfare projects have had to develop in response to extreme circumstances, including social work and war, social work under conditions of occupation, and social work under military regimes. With international contributions, the book shows how social work responses "in extremis" offer valuable experiences and lessons which can enrich mainstream social work theo

Created to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Bailey and Brake's seminal text Radical Social Work (1975), this volume seeks to explore the radical tradition within social work and assess its legacy, relevance and prospects. With a foreword by Roy Bailey, the book brings together leading academics within social work in Britain to reflect on the legacy of Radical Social Work (both the original text and the wider social movement) within social work education, theory and practice. With the current issues facing social work in Britain, this book examines the radical tradition to assert that 'another social work is possible'.

`I would encourage undergraduates students to read it, for it does summarise well a classical Marxist analysis of social policy and welfare' - Social Policy

The anti-capitalist movement is increasingly challenging the global hegemony of neo-liberalism. The arguments against the neo-liberal agenda are clearly articulated in Rethinking Welfare. The authors highlight the growing inequalities and decimation of state welfare, and use Marxist approaches to contemporary social policy to provide a defence of the welfare state.

Divided into three main sections, the first part of this volume looks at the growth of inequality, and social and environmental degradation.

Part Two centres on the authors' argument for the relevance of core Marxists concepts in aiding our understanding of social policy. This section includes Marxist approaches to a range of welfare issues, and their implications for studying welfare regimes and practices.

Issues covered include:

· Class and class struggle

· Opression

· Alienation and the family

The last part of the book explores the question of globalization and the consequences of international neo-liberalism on indebted countries as well as the neo-liberal agenda of the Conservative and New Labour governments in Britain. The authors conclude with the prospect of an alternative welfare future which may form part of the challenge against global neo-liberalism.

Despite the explosion of social movement research in Europe and the US in the last 20 years, the question of leadership has been relatively neglected. This probing examination of the theory and practice of social movement leadership critically re-examines a series of classic cases. The essays illuminate the complex dynamics and competing forms taken by social movement leadership as well as its impact on movement successes and failures.

Without a doubt, structural and institutionalised racism is still present in Britain and Europe, a factor that social work education and training has been slow to acknowledge. In this timely new book, Lavalette and Penketh reveal that racism towards Britain's minority ethnic groups has undergone a process of change. They affirm the importance of social work to address issues of 'race' and racism in education and training by presenting a critical review of a this demanding aspect of social work practice. Original in its approach, and with diverse perspectives from key practitioners in the field, the authors examine contemporary anti-racism, including racism towards Eastern European migrants, Roma people and asylum seekers. It also considers the implications of contemporary racism for current practice. This is essential reading for anyone academically or professionally interested in social work, and the developments in this field of study post 9/11.

`A good foundation for those intent on further research' - childRight

`It is intelligent, lively, clear, and well written' - Professor Hugh Cunningham, University of Kent at Canterbury

`This is an excellent source book which is up-to-date and covers key debates on childhood in an accessible way' - Professor Andy Furlong, University of Glasgow

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the study of `children' and `childhood' within the social sciences. Children, Welfare and the State provides readers with a comprehensive critical introduction to modern childhood studies.

In addition to engaging with the broad theoretical debates within the `new' sociology of childhood and developmental psychology the book:

- Explores key questions in relation to researching childhood, children's agency and social constructionist perspectives;

- Traces historical and contemporary developments in social policy responses to children and childhood;

- Examines the primary sites of state intervention in regulating and shaping children's lives.

- Re-states the primary significance of social class and other structural divisions in understanding children's experiences of childhood;

- Systematically assesses the impact of inequality and poverty on children and childhood.

Children, Welfare and the State has been tailored to appeal to those studying children and childhood within social policy, sociology, psychology, criminology, history, social work and youth and community work courses.

Consult this handy reference work when you need accurate, up to date information on subjects ranging from the effects of work on children's education to the use of child labor in Eastern Europe. From Dickensian exploitation of orphans to the after-school jobs of American students, child labor continues to generate controversy. Surveying working children from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, Child Labor takes the subject beyond the usual third world confines as it looks at traditional children's occupations, from chimney sweeps in Victorian Britain to child actors in TV commercials. A-Z entries are also arranged by category Numerous citations of contemporary books and studies

`A good foundation for those intent on further research' - childRight

`It is intelligent, lively, clear, and well written' - Professor Hugh Cunningham, University of Kent at Canterbury

`This is an excellent source book which is up-to-date and covers key debates on childhood in an accessible way' - Professor Andy Furlong, University of Glasgow

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the study of `children' and `childhood' within the social sciences. Children, Welfare and the State provides readers with a comprehensive critical introduction to modern childhood studies.

In addition to engaging with the broad theoretical debates within the `new' sociology of childhood and developmental psychology the book:

- Explores key questions in relation to researching childhood, children's agency and social constructionist perspectives;

- Traces historical and contemporary developments in social policy responses to children and childhood;

- Examines the primary sites of state intervention in regulating and shaping children's lives.

- Re-states the primary significance of social class and other structural divisions in understanding children's experiences of childhood;

- Systematically assesses the impact of inequality and poverty on children and childhood.

Children, Welfare and the State has been tailored to appeal to those studying children and childhood within social policy, sociology, psychology, criminology, history, social work and youth and community work courses.