Social Work - by Cynthia Bisman (Hardcover)

About the Book

This innovative textbook reconfigures generalist social work practice for the twenty-first century

Book Synopsis

This innovative textbook reconfigures generalist social work practice for the twenty-first century. Incorporating historical, ethical, and global perspectives, the volume presents new conceptualizations, definitions, and explanations for social work practice and principles in the areas of assessment, relationships, communication, best practices, intervention, and differential use of self. Case studies fully discuss and illustrate the use of these approaches with real clients and provide a lens inclusive of geography and culture to promote social justice and human well-being, whether within one's own nation or across national borders. Recognizing that targeted practice with individuals is the key to successful outcomes, this textbook equips today's practitioners with the values, skills, and knowledge necessary for social work practice in a globalized world.

Review Quotes

Bisman provides a truly twenty-first-century approach to social work practice by integrating ethical reasoning and the concept of global consciousness in the discussion of assessment, relationship, communication, and intervention. Students at all levels will appreciate her blending of theory and ethical principles with reflections and insights from practitioners.--Lynne M. Healy, University of Connecticut School of Social Work

This book moves the field forward, and it was written by someone who combines intellectual acuity with personal empathy. The concept of 'global consciousness' is new, and once you hear it, you will never think of the 'conscious use of self' in the same way again.--Kathleen J. Pottick, Rutgers University School of Social Work

This book provides a fresh approach to understanding social work as a value-guided profession in today's globalized world. The book contains numerous case studies of real-life examples that help readers better understand ethical practice with individuals in a globally interconnected society. I highly recommend this book not only for social work students but also for all academics and practitioners across the world who consider that 'global consciousness, ' as suggested by the author, is a key concept to practicing ethical social work in the twenty-first century--Elena Papouli, Technological Educational Institute of Athens

Unique in its breadth and depth, this book advocates a global perspective on social work, skilfully illustrated and developed through real-life accounts of complex and challenging practice. The book will be an invaluable resource for social work students, faculty, and practitioners interested in ethical practice in a rapidly changing world.--Sarah Banks, Durham University

About the Author

Cynthia Bisman is professor emeritus of social work at Bryn Mawr College and the author of Integrating Research Into Practice: A Model for Effective Social Work and Social Work Practice: Cases and Principles, and coeditor of the forthcoming book Gender Justice and Development: Local and Global. She has been codirector for the Bryn Mawr College Center on International Studies and associate editor (North America) for the journal Ethics and Social Welfare, and she provides a range of editorial functions for journals in the United States and the United Kingdom. Bisman draws from her extensive practice background in the development of case material for teaching and learning and presents and publishes widely.