Social work : theory and practice for a changing profession Lena Dominelli

Includes bibliographical references and index.

What is the purpose of social work in the contemporary society? Is social work still recognised as a skilled profession in the eyes of the public? How can social workers defend themselves against harsh criticism over their decision-making and practice in day-to-day work? How can social workers deal with a wide range of service users such as the older people, offenders, children, divorced families effectively? These vexing questions are difficult to answer, but Lena Dominelli provides us with interesting suggestions in Social Work: Theory and Practice for a Changing Profession. Its main aim is to 'take readers on a journey that explores the complex, interactive and multi-layered contexts of practice to unpack its professional depths, examine the dynamics underpinning particular approaches to social work and highlight their strengths and weaknesses' (p. 2). Dominelli articulates the key value of social work in promoting social justice and challenging existing social exclusion and oppression amongst the marginalized groups in the society. In line with her previous work, the book encourages practitioners to engage in a 'critical and reflexive practice' (p. 17) that places greater emphasis on practitioners' self-reflection of their everyday experiences (e.g. Dominelli, 2002a, 2002b).