Complex Systems and Human Behavior - Softcover

Hudson, Christopher G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 019061577X ISBN 13: 9780190615772

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2010

Synopsis

What shapes human behavior? Christopher Hudson approaches this conundrum with an outstanding grasp of the theoretical underpinnings of the human services. In this penetrating new book, Hudson guides us through the common roots of social work and psychology with authority and lucidity to revisit the richness of human experience.

Particularly notable for its integrative style, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the many theories that underlie contemporary social work practice, all carefully interpreted through the lens of complex systems theory. Hudson evaluates concepts like deep ecology, chaos theory, consciousness, diversity, and spirituality with clarity and enthusiasm, placing them in historical and theoretical contexts. His incisive review of the work of major thinkers from Comte, Freud, and James, through Vygotsky, Baars, and Varela, will help bring his readers to a more complex view of the human condition.

An excellent book for all human services practitioners as well as advanced students of human behavior, Complex Systems and Human Behavior is a comprehensive introduction to complex systems theory and a necessary resource for all who seek a greater understanding of the evolution and foundation of their craft.

About this title

About the Author

Christopher G. Hudson (PhD, University of Illinois, Chicago; AM, AB,University of Chicago) is professor in the MSW program at Salem State College in Salem, MA. He has regularly taught in MSW programs and published extensively in professional journals on human behavior and mental health policy issues, including developments in complex systems and chaos theories. His books include Dimensions of State Mental Health Policy (Praeger, 1991) and An Interdependency Model of Homelessness (Mellon, 1998). Has received numerous awards, including Researcher of the Year (awarded by the Massachusetts Alliance for the Mentally Ill), and a faculty Fulbright fellowship.

Review

"The text is. . .clear and coherent especially when dealing with fairly sophisticated concepts. . . It is not only current in its scholarship, but forward thinking. . . It is a terrific resource . . . ."
--Patricia O'Brien, Jane Addams College of Social Work

"One of the principal virtues of this book lies in its intellectual breadth; a breadth that social work students and faculty . . . will find [of] considerable benefit."
--David P. Moxley, University of Oklahoma

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 019061577X
• ISBN 13: 9780190615772
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 720