Toward a Livable Life

An initial reaction after completing the book was that the depth and empirical support for each chapter is remarkable. . . I speculate that later in the 21st century, there is a possibility that this text will be looked back on as a seminal work within the profession. * Research on Social Work Practice *
This book will definitely create a dialogue between social work educators and practitioners, we well as researchers, to look for interventions towards the various emerging social concerns. This book should be essential reading for not only social workers, but also for policy makers, politicians, and others engaged in social work and development activities. * The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics *
This fine collection brings together many academics associated with the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, who posit that the primary concern of modern social work practice is to enable every individual to lead a "livable life". * CHOICE *
"Social work has a long and notable history of addressing complex social problems...Toward a Livable Life provides a comprehensive review of an array of social issues impacting the social, environmental, health, behavioral-health, and economic well-being of children, families, and communities. Mark Rank has assembled prominent thought leaders to bring focus and synergy to a collection of social problems. Using the underlying tenets of social work as a foundation, this book addresses the critical issues of the profession and establishes a call to action for social work. This book contributes to new knowledge, practices, and policies." * James Herbert Williams, PhD, MSW, MPA, Arizona Centennial Professor of Social Welfare Services and Director, School of Social Work, Arizona State University *
At a critical juncture in the history of the U.S. and the social work profession, when our fundamental values are under concerted attack, Mark Rank and colleagues have produced a powerful portrait of a future based on human decency and social equity. The essays in this concise, thoughtful book explore a range of pressing contemporary issues and propose realistic policy and practice solutions that, in an ideal world, would shape both our political discourse and frame conversations in our popular culture. Based on solid research, they are written in an accessible manner, demonstrating how scholars can disseminate their work so that it reaches the widest possible audience. Toward a Livable Life should be required reading for all political candidates, pundits, and persons who care about what kind of society we want to create in the years ahead. * Michael Reisch, PhD, Daniel Thursz Distinguished Professor of Social Justice, School of Social Work, University of Maryland *
Drawing on the collective experience and wisdom of the distinguished faculty of the Brown School, Toward a Livable Life provides social work scholars, practitioners, and students with much food for thought and action.ÂInformed by the profession's longstanding commitment to bringing evidence to the pursuit of social justice, the authors of this volume illuminate the nature of the challenges facing everyday Americans and others around the world and identify potential strategies for addressing them. This should be essential reading for all those interested in the myriad ways that social workers can be involved in leveling the playing field for marginalized populations. * Mark E. Courtney, PhD, MSW, MA, Samuel Deutsch Professor, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago; Editor, Social Service Review *
Now more than ever, our society needs the expertise, knowledge, and practice the field of social work provides. This volume takes a bold step in addressing those needs and shifting our gaze to the most important issues we presently face in helping institutions, communities, families, and children create livable lives in a contested America. This volume informs and reinforces a core value of social work: hope. It is a must-read! * Linda M. Burton, PhD, MA, Dean and Professor, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley *