The social action approach is more relevant than ever in today's social conditions. This colection offers a rich resource for those working with groups and communities who experience poverty, deprivation or disempowerment, exclusion or poverty. Authors show how the theory and practice of self-directed groupwork and social action can be applied.
One of the most effective ways of dealing with social problems is getting rid of the cause of the problem, not just finding a remedy for the result. Social Action in Group Work provides a useful overview of the history, philosophy, theory, and practice of social group work and action in the promotion of societal change. It shows practitioners how to use their skills effectively to achieve social change. This helpful book incorporates ideas developed in social movements, identifies their contributions to social group work practice, and illustrates effective practice in case experience with specific examples. It provides a much-needed understanding of the need for and process of social action, along with new ideas for theory building, teaching, and practice in group work. Numerous case examples from a variety of different settings become models that will be extremely useful for social work students, educators, professionals, and those who work directly with groups.This invigorating book is divided into three sections, each with a unique focus, and tied together by overlapping concepts, theories, and models. The first section, Ideas of Social Action, examines the history of social action in group work and proposes an integrated global framework for social work organization, education and practice. Advocacy and Empowerment, the middle section, is replete with case examples. The third section, Principles and Practice, explores the application of social group work in a variety of situations, including inter-ethnic conflict and a group of homeless men and women. Together, the sections make a strong stand for a more sensitive, empowerment oriented practice and for more advocacy by the worker and group. Everyone involved or interested in the process of social change through social action with groups will find Social Action in Group Work a wealth of practical information.
From three leading authorities in the field, this re-visit to a classic text demonstrates how groupwork can be used as a flexible tool for service user empowerment and participation across a range of contexts. Walking the reader through each stage in group formation and evolution, it is an essential text for health and social care professionals.
No Text This standard text has stood the test of time, and is still in demand, 15 years after its first publication. It shows what works to help people identify what is wrong in their lives and how they can bring about change. Social and community workers, teachers, youth workers, community nurses, and workers in faith-related settings helped develop the approach and will be keenly interested in the ideas contained here. .".. a most important book which should become required reading for intended and experienced groupworkers alike. ... it describes an approach to groupwork developed and refined in practice and challenges much traditional thinking ... this practice paradigm is firmly rooted in an analysis of oppression, power and change and in clearly articulated values which inform a commitment to empowerment, anti-oppressive methods of work and social change. "Issues in Social Work Education
Based on practice experience in both the UK and the USA, Gender and Groupwork brings together the best of groupwork knowledge, skills and values in a true transatlantic partnership.
What do you have to know, today, to be an effective group worker and what are the different group work approaches? With 110 articles and entries, this book provides a comprehensive overview of social work with groups from its initial development to its astounding range of diverse practice today with many populations in different places. The articles have been written by social workers trained in the group approach from the United States, Canada, England, Australia, Spain and Japan, and all involved are well known group workers, acknowledged as experts in the area. The book covers all aspects of social work with groups: including its history, values, major models, approaches and methods, education, research, journals, phases of development, working with specific populations and ages, plus many more. Each article includes references which can be a major resource for future exploration in the particular subject area. Both editors have many years of productive work in group work practice and other areas and are board members of The Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups. The Encyclopedia of Social Work with Groups will be of interest to students, practitioners, social work faculty, novice and experienced group workers.
Offering some of the most advanced thinking and practice in the arena of social work with groups, From Prevention to Wellness Through Group Work synthesizes the discussions and findings from the Annual Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups (AASWG). Gathered here are different ideas, techniques, and research (with a focus on prevention) for group work with seniors, adults, teens, and children. With a mix of authors from social work academia and practice, this book gives you groundbreaking theoretical pieces as well as emerging skills and techniques in group work. If you attended the conference you will refer to this book as a guide to the information presented. If you were not in attendance you need this book to discover what you missed! The two primary chapters in From Prevention to Wellness Through Group Work provide a look into constructivism and the power model and the empowerment approach as a paradigm for international social work practice. Other pertinent topics you learn about include: conflict management in group treatment a social skills program for emotionally disturbed children bullying and scapegoating in groups groups for persons who have experienced transplants groups for persons with AIDS the intersection of different realities in the group setting using poetry to revive traditional practice methods, theories, and values mutual aid, democratic participation, power sharing, and consciousness raising From Prevention to Wellness Through Group Work also shows you how group experiences prevent breakdown and encourage wellness for older adults in senior centers and retirement communities; the definition, scope, and usefulness of psychoeducational groups; how group-based methods can enrich research; and how monitoring group practice can strengthen your effectiveness and credibility. You’ll find the book’s consistent focus on prevention while providing ways to improve both group work practice and research through cooperative efforts most helpful.
From three leading authorities in the field, this re-visit to a classic text demonstrates how groupwork can be used as a flexible tool for service user empowerment and participation across a range of contexts. Walking the reader through each stage in group formation and evolution, it is an essential text for health and social care professionals.
A valuable guide to working with groups for a variety of purposes in the human services. Its distinctive strength is the focus on 'thinking group' and on theory informed reflective practice. Grounded throughout in the rich experiences of 'group insiders', the book is both engaging and informative. Definitely a recommended resource for practitioners, students and educators. Ros Thorpe, Professor of Social Work and Community Welfare, James Cook University Group facilitation is a core skill for social workers, community workers, youth workers, health workers and psychologists. Inside Group Work offers a guide to group work theory and practice in a variety of human service settings. Drawing on thought-provoking contributions from experienced group leaders and participants, Fiona McDermott outlines the various ways in which group work can be used. Focusing particularly on psychoeducation groups, psychotherapy groups, mutual aid groups and social action groups, she explains that the purpose of the group should determine the form it takes. The key facilitation skills of listening, observing, intervening and responding under pressure are outlined. But McDermott argues these skills by themselves are not sufficient. Rather, facilitators need to 'think group' in order to be most effective. McDermott also explains the various stages groups go through, and looks at ways in which group facilitators can handle typical problems. She explores issues of power and leadership, and also the influence of gender, sexuality, ethnicity and age.
