Modern Social Work Theory

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Difficult but very rewarding - Rated
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.

Language Malcolm! - Rated
I'm just trying to write a piece for college using this book, and its not helping. It may may a thoroughly researched and logically laid-out text, but its quite badly written. The way certain points are expressed is so opaque at times that its difficult to discern what the writer is actually saying. Social work can be a pretty ill-defined activity and its not helped by shrouding it further in linguistic mist. Contrast this tome with the style of Neil Thompson for example. Thompson cuts through the crap and gives to us straight.