Human Rights in Social Work - (Research in Social Work) by Emilio José Gómez-Ciriano & Inés Martínez Herrero & Ian Cummins (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

What does it mean for social work to truly uphold human rights in an era marked by economic austerity, political polarisation and global crises?

Human Rights in Social Work offers a powerful and timely response, calling for a fundamental rethinking of practice rooted in relational, dignity-driven approaches. Grounded in critical theory, education and real-world issues, this book interrogates the limitations of current approaches while offering a compelling vision for a more just, relational and accountable social work on which intersectionality and cultures of peace play a key role.

Bringing together leading voices in theory, practice and research, the book examines how social workers can move beyond rhetoric - confronting the profession's own historic and ongoing failings - to embed a deeper, more intersectional understanding of human rights into social work's core.

Review Quotes

About the Author

Emilio José Gómez-Ciriano is Associate Professor of Social Work at Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha and Vice-President of the Spanish Federation of Human Rights Associations.

Inés Martínez Herrero is Lecturer in Social Work at the National University of Distance Education, a qualified social worker and former Vice President of the European Social Work Research Association (ESWRA).

Ian Cummins retired as Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Social Sciences at Salford University in 2025. His most research has focused on poverty and mental health.