Social, Political, and Economic Environment for Social Work Practice

The Social, Political and Economic Environment for Social Work Practice is designed to encourage practitioners to view behavior through a macro practice lens. Specifically, the text explores the influence that the economic and political systems have on social interactions and outcomes. Building upon the person in environment perspective, each chapter begins with a case example of a practitioner helping clients navigate complex social situations. These case studies help social workers consider the larger environmental forces at play in client care. Each chapter concludes with a Considerations for Practice section to tie the case and content together for application. Content builds upon three separate yet interconnected facets of the environment. Theories of the social environment are explored along with the concepts of power and social change. Next, an understanding of the political environment highlights how we make collective decisions as communities and societies via policy practice. Lastly, an overview of the economic environment explores how people meet basic needs in society and what the government's role is in addressing poverty and inequality. Designed to demystify economic and policy concepts, The Social, Economic, and Political Environment for Social Work Practice is an ideal text for coursework emphasizing human behavior from a mezzo and macro perspective.