Human Behavior and the Larger Social Environment Context for Social Work Practice and Advocacy

From schools to the workplace and from class structure to cultural diversity--all individuals function within complex social systems that shape them and are, in turn, shaped by them. This text introduces students to these broader social contexts within which human behavior occurs and how a community's physical and social settings may promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving personal health and well-being. Johnson uses seven basic theoretical perspectives as the frameworks to explore how clients are impacted by social institutions and social structures.

Keeping up to date with emerging societal trends and changing environmental contexts is important and Human Behavior and the Larger Social Environment provides readers with the tools necessary to use their knowledge to provide appropriate interventions at all levels of practice, as well as promote social and economic justice. This book offers complex concepts in a simple format, allowing students to analyze the relationship between individuals and various systems, and better retain and apply their knowledge as they prepare to engage with clients and client systems.

Miriam McNown Johnson (MS in Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin Madison; MSW, PhD, University of Alabama), is Professor Emerita for Academic and Student Affairs at the College of Social Work, University of South Carolina.

Preface to the Fourth Edition

PART I. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

Chapter 1. Introduction to Perspectives and Theories

PART II. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Chapter 2. The Political Economy
Chapter 3. Government-Supported Social Institutions
Chapter 4. Other Social Institutions

PART III. SOCIAL STRUCTURE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY

Chapter 5. Social and Economic Stratification
Chapter 6. American Society and Cultural Diversity
Chapter 7. Other Social Status Groups

PART IV. LOCATIONAL AND IDENTIFICATIONAL COMMUNITIES

Chapter 8. Communities, Neighborhoods, and the Physical Environment
Chapter 9. Collective Action and Social Change

FINAL THOUGHTS
Index