Full Description
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.
Contents
Foreword ‾ Peter Dowd
Introduction: what is the future of social work? ‾ Michael Lavalette
Austerity and the context of social work today ‾ Michael Lavalette
Contemporary developments in child protection in England: reform or reaction? ‾ Brid Featherstone
The slow death of social work with older people? ‾ Mark Lymbery
Mental health social work: the dog that hasn't barked ‾ Iain Ferguson
Learning disabilities and social work ‾ Jan Walmsley
Social work by and for all ‾ Peter Beresford
Anti-oppressive social work, neoliberalism and neo-eugenics ‾ Gurnam Singh
From Seebohm factories to neoliberal production lines? The social work labour process ‾ John Harris
Social work and the refugee crisis: reflections from Samos in Greece ‾ Chris Jones
Conclusion: the road to an alternative future? ‾ Michael Lavalette
