Social Work, Politics and Society

This original and stimulating book examines contemporary issues in social work, particularly exploring the politicisation of the profession from the 1970s onwards. Detailing the wider social and political influences on the development of social work, the book argues that underlying much social theory and practice is a pessimistic and degraded view of humanity.The book highlights the need for a new approach to social work that has a more optimistic view of both individuals and society, and of their capacity to overcome problems.

Kenneth McLaughlin is Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Manchester Metropolitan University