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Rogowski’s second edition of this bestselling textbook responds to the major changes to social work practice since the first edition was published. It is fully revised and updated to include new material that is essential for students and practising social workers today.
Taking a critical perspective, Rogowski evaluates social work’s development, nature and rationale over approximately 150 years. He explores how neoliberalism is at the core of the profession’s crisis and calls for progressive, critical and radical changes to social work policy and practices based on social justice and social change.
This new edition is substantially updated to explore:
• the impact of austerity policies since 2010;
• failures to realise the progressive possibilities which followed the death of ‘Baby P’;
• contemporary examples of critical and radical practice.
It also includes a range of student-friendly features including chapter summaries, key learning and discussion points, and further reading.
“Anyone seeking to map a socially progressive future for the profession needs to understand what has occurred in social work over recent decades, and this is a reliable and informed guide." Paul Michael Garrett, NUI Galway
“By a practitioner for practitioners, this updated text is a reminder that another social work is possible, which combats rather than colludes with current hard times. Essential reading for all social workers, students and services.” Peter Beresford OBE, University of Essex
“A sweeping socio-historical account of social work in the UK and how in recent years it has been (mis)shaped by neoliberal politicians and policy makers, to the detriment of service users.” Rachel Fyson, University of Nottingham
“A welcome addition to the growing critical literature on the ways in which progressive social work practice has been undermined by neoliberalism and austerity.” Iain Ferguson, University of the West of Scotland
"This book helps students to understand the recent history of social work in the UK, and how neoliberalism and bureaucracy have created a profession that strains against a lack of resources, relentlessly individualistic social policy and paperwork taking priority over conversations." Carrie Phillips, University of Sunderland
Foreword ~ Ray Jones
Introduction: The rise and fall of social work?
The beginnings of social work to its 1970s zenith
Thatcherism and the rise of neoliberalism: opportunities and challenges
New Labour, more neoliberalism: new challenges and (fewer) opportunities
The professionalisation of social work?
Managerialism and the social work business
Neoliberalism, austerity and social Work
Conclusion: Critical/radical possibilities in ongoing neoliberal times
Author's note