Radical Challenges for Social Work Education

This insightful book explores how social work education can challenge individualistic approaches and advocate for radical social work principles, as seen in Radical Challenges for Social Work Education.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of how social work education can effectively address the individualizing and often blaming nature of social work that has been prevalent since the rise of neoliberalism four decades ago. It emphasizes the need for a radical approach that moves beyond the traditional frameworks that have dominated the field, which tend to focus on moral or psychological explanations for the challenges faced by service users. By examining the historical context of social work, the book highlights how the profession has shifted from a moralistic view of the 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor to a more nuanced understanding of the systemic issues that contribute to social problems.

Radical Challenges for Social Work Education advocates for a reimagining of social work education, urging educators and practitioners to consider the broader social circumstances that impact individuals, such as poverty, inadequate housing, and limited access to education and opportunities. This book serves as a critical resource for those looking to challenge the dominant narratives in social work and to promote a more holistic understanding of the factors that contribute to social issues. The authors argue for the resurrection of radical social work principles, which focus on social justice and the importance of addressing structural inequalities.

With contributions from various experts in the field, this book is a significant addition to the discourse surrounding social work practice and theory. It is particularly relevant for academics, researchers, and advanced students in disciplines such as Politics, Education, Sociology, and Public Policy, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of social work education.