Analyzes the current changes in social work and assesses how far recent developments in social theory can contribute to their interpretation. Considers issues of central significance to all interested in social work theory, policy, practice

Chapter 1 Social Theory, Social Change and Social Work, Nigel Part on; Chapter 2 Social Work Through the Looking Glass, Jeff Hopkins; Chapter 3 After social work?, John Clarke; Chapter 4 Postmodernism, Feminism and the Question of Difference, Fiona Williams; Chapter 5 Surface and Depth in Social-Work Practice, David Howe; Chapter 6 Social Work, Risk and ‘The Blaming System’, Nigel Part on; Chapter 7 Telling tales, Robert Harris; Chapter 8 The Future of Social Work with Older People in a Changing World, Judith Phillips; Chapter 9 Social Work with Children and Families, Olive Otway; Chapter 10 Regulation for Radicals, David Webb; Chapter 11 Anti-Intellectualism and the Peculiarities of British Social Work Education, Chris Jones;

'Brings home a number of current issues in a thought-provoking and well argued discourse.' - Lynne Hooton, Glasgow Caledonian University'This is an important book for all those who are thinking and worrying about the future of the social services and of social work education.' - Community Care Magazine'A wonderful book reminding us of the value of careful reflection ... full of thoughtful and provocative insights ... I have already used this text for a variety of purposes and with a variety of audiences ... Buy this book; it is great.' - Brid Featherstone in Child and Family Social Work