'the seminal work of its type in social work today'

'the most comprehensive attempt to provide an overarching view of theory for social work in one text'

'this text stands out above all others'

'This new edition of a standard, well regarded textbook is well written, has clear analyses, excellent bibliographies and website references...'

This welcome new edition of a best-selling text offers a comprehensive survey of major theories relevant to social work practice and a clear assessment of the role and value of each approach based on the current critical literature. The book builds on the strength of the previous editions, with a major recasting of the first two chapters to bring them up to date, a wholly new chapter on feminist theory, and a greater emphasis on applying theory to practice. Taken together, the revisions will secure the continuing value of this world-class textbook as an invaluable companion for social work students and educators alike.

MALCOLM PAYNE is Director of Psychosocial and Spiritual Care at St Christopher's Hospice, having previously worked as Professor of Applied Community Studies at the Manchester Metropolitan University, U.K., in probation, social services and the national and local voluntary sector. His most recent books are Teamwork in Multiprofessional Care, Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates and Critical Practice in Social Work (the latter two co-edited with Adams and Dominelli).

2007-02-07 Difficult but very rewarding

In the preface, the author states that he has been told by some that this book is too difficult, by others too simple. I would characterise it as huge, as is a fruitcake, not perhaps in physical size, but in richness and complexity. First, it is well worth reading the book through, and mastering the content. Subsequently, use it as a reference book, as you encounter issues and theoretical perspectives in practice. It is easy to become blase about concepts, through over-repetition of their buzz words, and by lack of reflection, and certain terms become so by incorporation in organisational procedures, for instance. I envisage myself returning to this book to clarify terms and concepts, such as empowerment, anti-discriminatory practice, the nature of power, and others, to refresh their original meanings in my mind. If there is ever to be a revised edition (not that I imagine Malcolm Payne as exactly sitting round with nothing to do) I would be interested to see the inclusion of the newish recovery approach in mental health practice. Elements of systems, and empowerment approaches there, perhaps? We social workers have all, at some point, claimed to be working holistically, which claim is, more often than not, spin with a grand-sounding cover. However, this book can make you appreciate positive aspects of all theoretical approaches, including those about which we may be, say, ideologically dubious. Thus, for example, the medical model, much derided, certainly by we in mental health, can be seen to have its value in problem-solving techniques. A great book.