
Essential Theory for Social Work Practice
Chris Beckett(Author)
SAGE Publications Inc (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 21. March 2006
Book
Paperback/Softback
216 pages
978-1-4129-0874-0 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
`I can say without equivocation this text is without doubt the best book about social work I have read. Chris Beckett explores the purpose, values activities and theories of social work in an ever-changing social context that is clearly identified and examined' - Stephanie Petrie, University of Liverpool
Every day social workers face decisions that will significantly impact others' lives, and it is essential that these practical assessments are supported by a sound understanding of social work theory. In this innovative and highly accessible textbook Chris Beckett explains how an understanding of these theoretical issues can improve the knowledge and skills base of professional practice.
Essential Theory for Social Work Practice is an engaging and readable text, with a distinctively realistic and honest approach to the realities of everyday practice. Framed in a comprehensive and logical structure:
- Part 1 establishes what social workers do and the tools they need
- Part 2 considers how to assess, handle, and support change in others
- Part 3 explores the wide range of roles that social workers must fulfil
- Part 4 strengthens these links between theory and practice.
Exercises, case examples, chapter summaries, and practice notes are used to great effect in each chapter, enabling students to apply theory to practice as they progress through the book. The book is an invaluable core text for all undergraduate social work students, and offers excellent support for practitioners in their every day practice.
Every day social workers face decisions that will significantly impact others' lives, and it is essential that these practical assessments are supported by a sound understanding of social work theory. In this innovative and highly accessible textbook Chris Beckett explains how an understanding of these theoretical issues can improve the knowledge and skills base of professional practice.
Essential Theory for Social Work Practice is an engaging and readable text, with a distinctively realistic and honest approach to the realities of everyday practice. Framed in a comprehensive and logical structure:
- Part 1 establishes what social workers do and the tools they need
- Part 2 considers how to assess, handle, and support change in others
- Part 3 explores the wide range of roles that social workers must fulfil
- Part 4 strengthens these links between theory and practice.
Exercises, case examples, chapter summaries, and practice notes are used to great effect in each chapter, enabling students to apply theory to practice as they progress through the book. The book is an invaluable core text for all undergraduate social work students, and offers excellent support for practitioners in their every day practice.
Reviews / Votes
"I can say without equivocation this text is without doubt the best book about social workI have read. Chris Beckett explores the purpose, values activities and theories of social work in an ever-changing social context that is clearly identified and examined - Stephanie Petrie, University of Liverpool"More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Thousand Oaks
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 186 mm
Weight
400 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4129-0874-0 (9781412908740)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Chris Beckett | Nigel Horner
Essential Theory for Social Work Practice
Book
12/2015
2nd Edition
SAGE Publications Ltd
€82.60
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Chris Beckett studied Psychology at Bristol University and qualified as a social worker at Bangor, North Wales, in 1980, going on to work for eighteen years as a social worker and social work manager, and then for fifteen years as a social work lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of East Anglia. He has had a parallel career for some time as a writer of fiction and is now a full-time writer. His novel, Dark Eden was the winner of the Arthur C. Clarke award for 2012.
Content
PART ONE: THEORY AND PRACTICE
What Is Social Work?
The Social Work Toolkit
What Do We Mean by 'Theory'?
PART TWO: IDEAS ABOUT CHANGE
Cause and Effect
New Possibilities
Different Levels
Tasks and Crises
PART THREE: IDEAS ABOUT ROLES
Advocacy and Empowerment
Working with Others
Coercive Powers
PART FOUR: IT'S ALL VERY WELL IN THEORY
Rhetoric and Reality
The Limits of Theory
What Is Social Work?
The Social Work Toolkit
What Do We Mean by 'Theory'?
PART TWO: IDEAS ABOUT CHANGE
Cause and Effect
New Possibilities
Different Levels
Tasks and Crises
PART THREE: IDEAS ABOUT ROLES
Advocacy and Empowerment
Working with Others
Coercive Powers
PART FOUR: IT'S ALL VERY WELL IN THEORY
Rhetoric and Reality
The Limits of Theory