Description: This Handbook examines the impetus for the development, growth, and relevance of social work as a profession in different political, social, and cultural contexts. Contributions align with overarching contemporary themes such as changing governance structures around the world; digitalization and globalization; and decolonization. The book is also in line with the advancement of global agendas for social work and social development led by the IASSW, ICSW & IFSW. This contemporary text engages comprehensively with diverse political systems across the world and explores the interactions with, and implications for social work policy, practice, and education in these countries and globally.
Review Quotes: "A call to arms for social work to reimagine a critical engagement with contemporary power and politics to frame a socially just world in the midst of chaos, turmoil and political instability." -- Carolyn Noble, Emeritus Professor ACAP Sydney, Australia
"This new Handbook of Power, Politics and Social Work, edited by Rajender Baikady and his colleagues, provides a comprehensive and informative overview of social work's engagement with power and politics around the world. Focusing on social work education, the collection shows how educators are enhancing the curriculum to address different dimensions of power and prepare students to promote social justice in their future careers. It offers many important insights into the issues and should be widely consulted." -- James Midgley, University of California, Berkeley"Although most social work practice is frequently intertwined with power, politics, and policy, these topics are often underrepresented in social work education programs. This gap leaves future social workers less prepared for power/politics-focused practice. In this handbook, Dr. Rajendra Baikady and his editorial team have assembled social work educators and researchers around the world to explore this critical issue from various perspectives. Their analysis addresses and an important gap in social work literature. The handbook is a useful resource for teaching, research and practice in social work and welfare." -- Manohar Pawar, Professor of Social Work"The Oxford Handbook of Power, Politics, and Social Work provides much needed insight into the politics and delivery of social work in a wide range of countries, including many in the global south. It makes a helpful contribution to extending knowledge about the interface between governments and social work practice at a time of increasing global tensions." -- David N Jones, Honorary Fellow in Social Work, School of Social and Political Science, The University of Edinburgh & International Federation of Social Workers and People Need People"This handbook is a unique and powerful resource. Each chapter is clear and concise and provides context that is explanatory of the region and point of view of the respective authors. Each chapter also has its own substantive and current reference list." -- K. E. Murphy, Choice