Shame and Social Work - by Liz Frost & Veronika Magyar-Haas & Holger Schoneville & Alessandro Sicora

About the Book

Examining experiences of shame and stigma in the context of austerity and the declining welfare state, this book shows how social work can ameliorate the impacts of shame through sensitive, reflective and relationship-based practice. It provides a broad understanding of shame and looks at its impact on both service users and practitioners.

Book Synopsis

For many service users and professionals in the field of social work, shame is an ongoing part of their daily experience.

Providing an in-depth examination of the complex phenomena of shame and humiliation, this book sets out key contextual issues and theoretical approaches to comprehend shame and its relevance within social work. It provides a broad understanding of shame, its underlying social and political contexts and its effects on service users and professionals.

The book uses innovative international scholarship and includes theoretical considerations, as well as empirical findings within the field of social work. It shows the importance of sensitive, reflective and relationship-oriented practice based on a better understanding of the complexity of shame.

Review Quotes

"The authors deftly and powerfully weave together absorbing insights, empirical research and analysis on a negative, deeply visceral, often-unspoken human experience of shame. Crucial for social work education and practice." George Palattiyil, The University of Edinburgh

"A courageous book that dares to unveil emotions and thoughts that are almost always unspoken. Highly suggested for students, professionals and educators, it provides a powerful instrument to enhance practice and improve the wellbeing of professionals and service users." Teresa Bertotti, President, European Association of Schools of Social Work (EASSW)

About the Author

Liz Frost is Associate Professor at the University of the West of England.

Veronika Magyar-Haas is Professor in Educational Science at the University of Fribourg.

Holger Schoneville is Senior Lecturer in social work at Dortmund University.

Alessandro Sicora is Associate Professor and teaches social work at the University of Trento.