The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Theory

The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Theory provides an interdisciplinary and international introduction to social work theory. It presents an analytical review of the wide array of theoretical ideas that influence social work on a global scale. It sets the agenda for future trends within social work theory. Separated into four parts, this handbook examines important themes within the discourses on social work theory, as well as offering a critical evaluation of how theoretical ideas influence social work as a profession and in practice. It includes a diverse range of interdisciplinary topics, covering the aims and nature of social work, social work values and ethics, social work practice theories and the use of theory in different fields of practice. The contributors show how and why theory is so important to social work and analyze the impact these concepts have made on social intervention. Bringing together an international team of leading academics within the social work field and newer contributors close to practice, this handbook is essential reading for all those studying social work, as well as practitioners, policymakers and those involved in the associated fields of health and social care.

List of Figures List of Tables Contributors Introduction Malcolm Payne and Emma Reith-Hall Part 1: The aims and nature of social work Social work theory, knowledge and practice Malcolm Payne and Emma Reith-Hall Theoretical aspects of social work - from eclecticism to integration Vladimír Labath and Elena Ondrušková Psychological and counselling theory in social work: a critical overview Carolyn Noble Epistemic discourses of ‘explanation’ and ‘understanding’ in assessment models Pavel Navrátil Theorizing social work in the domains of culture, politics and society Stan Houston Paradigm shift? Biomedical science and social work thinking Malcolm Carey Part 2: Theory about social work values Care and caring Michael D. Fine Autonomy and dependence Tom Grimwood Empathy, respect and dignity in social work David Howe The interpretation of social justice, equality, and inequality in social work: A view from the US Michael Reisch Spirituality and secularity Beth R. Crisp Part 3: Theories of social work practice Relational social work Karen Winter Contemporary attachment theory: how can it inform social workers? David Shemmings and Yvonne Shemmings How green is social work? Towards an ecocentric turn in social work John Coates and Mel Gray Theory on systems, complexity and chaos Chris Hudson Cognitive-behavioural therapy and social work practice A. Antonio Gonzalez-Prendes and C. M. Cassady Task-centred practice Simon Cauvain Strengths perspective: Critical analysis of the influence on social work Robert Blundo, Kristin W. Bolton and Peter Lehmann Solution-focused practice in social work Guy Shennan Motivational interviewing’s theory of practice for social work: promises and pitfalls Lori L. Egizio, Douglas C. Smith, Stéphanie Wahab and Kyle Bennett Narrative social work: key concepts Karen D. Roscoe Mindfulness and social work Yuk-Lin Renita Wong Indigenist social work practice Michael Anthony Hart The social pedagogy dimension of social work activity Ewa Marynowicz-Hetka Locality-based social development: a theoretical perspective for social work Abiot Simeon, Alice K, Butterfield & David P. Moxley Critical theory and social work: Historical context and contemporary manifestations Kenneth McLaughlin The return of macro approaches in social work Iain Ferguson Empowerment ideas in social work Paul Stepney Anti-oppressive practice Jane Dalrymple and Beverley Burke Advocacy ideas in social work Tom Wilks Feminist ideas in social work Sarah Wendt Part 4: Theory in practice Family social work practice Fiona Morrison, Viviene E. Cree and Polly Cowan Theory for social work with children Kathleen Manion Safeguarding children and the use of theory in practice Penelope Welbourne Child and adolescent mental health: a psychosocial perspective Emma Reith-Hall Theories of mental health Pete Benbow and Paul Blakeman Social work and addiction Hilda Loughran Disability theory and social work practice Stephen J. Macdonald and Lesley Deacon Accommodating cognitive differences: New ideas for social work with people with intellectual disabilities Christine Bigby Social work theory and older people Malcolm Payne Holistic end-of-life care in social work Cecilia Chan, Candy Fong and Y.L. Fung Index

Malcolm Payne is Emeritus Professor, Manchester Metropolitan University and has worked in probation, local government social services, the local and national voluntary sector and in a hospice in the UK. He is the author of many books including Modern Social Work Theory, Older Citizens and End-of-life Care, and Humanistic Social Work. Emma Reith-Hall is a senior social work lecturer atNottingham Trent University and a PhD student at the University of Birmingham. She remains involved in child and adolescent mental health practice.