Social Work and the Body

This innovative text brings together sociological and neuroscientific perspectives on the body to provide important and fresh ways of working with people in social work and social care settings. Sociology offers rich conceptualizations of bodies as markers of identity and objects of social control. Neuroscience is discovering ways in which social conditions 'get under our skin' and affect our health and well-being. This text illustrates how social work might draw upon findings from both these areas. Exploring both theory and practical implication the book: Draws on recent neuroscientific findings about brain and behaviour, Places new emphasis upon the importance of cognition and emotion to social work practice, Introduces a body-centred framework for practice, Employs case studies from a range of social work settings, including child protection, mental health, care of older people, and work with drug and alcohol use. Social Work and the Body breaks new ground in the theory of social work. It is necessary reading for all social work students and practitioners looking to advance their knowledge of exciting contemporary discourse on the body and enhance their practice. Book jacket.

NADINE CAMERON is a Research Assistant and FIONA McDERMOTT is Senior Lecturer, both at the School of Social Work, The University of Melbourne.

PART 1 * Introduction * Social Work and the Body: the view from sociology * Social Work and the Body: the view from neuroscience * Social Work and the Body: towards a theory of the body for social work practice * Body Cognizant Social Worker in Action * PART 2 * Introduction * Social Work, the Body and Mental Health * Social Work, the Body and Child Protection * Social Work, the Body and Aging * Social Work, the Body and Health * Social Work, the Body and Alcohol and Other Drugs * Conclusion PART 1 * Introduction * Social Work and the Body: the view from sociology * Social Work and the Body: the view from neuroscience * Social Work and the Body: towards a theory of the body for social work practice * Body Cognizant Social Worker in Action * PART 2 * Introduction * Social Work, the Body and Mental Health * Social Work, the Body and Child Protection * Social Work, the Body and Aging * Social Work, the Body and Health * Social Work, the Body and Alcohol and Other Drugs * Conclusion