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"The text provides a comprehensive overview of social work and social welfare. It provides a strengths-based theoretical orientation reflecting current social work practice. It meets a critical need in an introductory course as it affords ample student information in a very readable fashion so that students may decide if they want to pursue social work as a major. I would recommend it without hesitation.”

—Thomas Broffman, Eastern Connecticut University

“Excellent...[It] answers typical questions that students have.”

— Bonni H. Zetick, LaSalle University

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK:
The People's Profession

Second Edition

Ira Colby, University of Houston
Sophia F. Dziegielewski, University of Cincinnati

In this stimulating introductory text the authors present a broad, realistic, and accurate portrayal of the field of social work. The book is organized around questions often asked by students when first considering the profession. Part I introduces the terminology and acronyms used in social work, and discusses the settings where social workers can be found, what social workers actually do, and the income they can expect. Rounding out Part I is an exploration of the rich traditions of social work, highlighting how the past relates to the present and what the future of the field might hold.

Part II delineates the actual practice of social work and the theoretical foundations of the profession. Three perspectives of social work are described--micro, mezzo, and macro--and value-based practice is stressed along with issues related to diversity and cultural sensitiveness. The principal settings of social work practice are introduced in part III, as well as major issues in the field. Part IV reviews international topics in social work and offers a concluding summary chapter.

Unique to this text are profiles and photos of contemporary social workers that provide insight into the lives of modern-day professionals. Interspersed throughout the text are "Did you know" features that provide factual and interesting details of the profession and activity boxes that involve the reader in specific concepts. A summary and references conclude each chapter.

The second edition is updated with the latest research and references. Statistics, salary, and relevant numbers have all been updated to reflect current trends in social work. Diversity and social justice are highlighted and enhanced throughout the text. The newest edition also has additional information on working with the mentally ill in the criminal justice system. Written in the same conversational and informal style as the first edition, the second edition concisely covers virtually all the essential aspects of modern social work. Its clear prose, manageable size, and comparatively reasonable cost will appeal to all introductory students.

FEATURES

	Profiles and photos of contemporary social workers provide insight into the lives of modern-day professionals.
	Activity boxes bring to life specific concepts.
	"Did you know" features that provide factual and interesting details of the profession.
	Diversity content included throughout the text.
	Chapter devoted to international social work.
	Photographs, many taken especially for this book, of social workers and social work settings.
	Technology focus including discussion of Web sites useful to social workers.
	Glossary entries italicized when first used in text.
	Instructor’s manual with suggested syllabi, videos, projects, activities, and a test bank.

CONTENTS

Preface

2004, Paper, 445 Pages, ISBN 978-0-925065-48-3, Price $61.95

Sophia Dziegielewski's bio
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