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Rather than being seen simply as social policy implementors, in recent decades there has been increasing recognition of social workers as professionals with unique knowledge and insights to contribute to policy formulation and social justice.
This book offers a path-breaking, evidence-based theoretical framework for understanding why social workers engage in policy, both as professionals and citizens, and the impact of their actions. Drawing on concepts from social work and the political, sociological and policy sciences, the authors set out the implications of this framework for research, education and practice.
"This book explores the opportunities, environments and motivations that affect how social workers can influence policy at national, local and organizational levels. Educators, students and professionals should read this book that signposts the actions that could have an impact on political discourse and policy decisions." Annamaria Campanini, President, IASSW
“An important book that makes a significant contribution to the discourse on policy design in general and social policy in particular and establishes an important theoretical framework systematically.” Public Administration Review
“Throughout this is a well-argued and authoritative text, very well evidenced and providing a wealth of examples across many countries…I can certainly see how this text would contribute significantly to social policy teaching in social work programmes, particularly at the Master’s level”. British Journal of Social Work
“I would recommend the book for researchers, educators, and social workers who want to learn more of how social workers as professionals can shape social structures. This starts with the timely reminder that policy engagement must be integrated into the social worker profession.” Nordic Social Work Research
John Gal is Full Professor and former Dean at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Idit Weiss-Gal is a Full Professor and former Head of the Bob Shapell School of Social Work at Tel Aviv University.
1. Introduction
2. On the social work–social policy interface
3. The environments
4. Opportunity
5. Facilitation
6. Motivation
7. Explaining the policy engagement of social workers and beyond