Applying Complexity Theory (Hardcover)

Aaron Pycroft

ISBN 10: 144731140X / ISBN 13: 9781447311409

Published by Bristol University Press, Bristol, 2014

About this Item

Hardcover. Approaches based around complexity theory are increasingly being used in the study of organisations and the delivery of services. This is the first book to explore the application of complexity theory to difficult practice issues in criminal justice and social work and is intended to stimulate debate. It brings together experts in this emerging field to address complexity theory from a range of perspectives (positivist, realist, and constructivist), providing a detailed but accessible discussion of the key issues to whole systems approaches. The chapters cover theory and research on the nature of complex adaptive systems, their application to key areas of service delivery and the efficacy and ethics of criminal justice and social work interventions. The book argues for the usefulness of applying complexity theory to address significant and intractable social problems and also challenges the reductionist approaches to solving those problems currently favoured by policy makers. It will be of interest to academics and postgraduate students in social work and criminal justice. This is the first book to explore the application of complexity theory to difficult practice issues in criminal justice and social work and brings together experts in this emerging field to address complexity theory from a range of perspectives, providing a detailed but accessible discussion of the key issues to whole systems approaches. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781447311409

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Applying Complexity Theory (Hardcover)
• Publisher: Bristol University Press, Bristol
• Publication Date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 144731140X
• ISBN 13: 9781447311409
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Approaches based around complexity theory are increasingly being used in the study of organisations and the delivery of services. This is the first book to explore the application of complexity theory to difficult practice issues in criminal justice and social work and is intended to stimulate debate. It brings together experts in this emerging field to address complexity theory from a range of perspectives (positivist, realist, and constructivist), providing a detailed but accessible discussion of the key issues to whole systems approaches. The chapters cover theory and research on the nature of complex adaptive systems, their application to key areas of service delivery and the efficacy and ethics of criminal justice and social work interventions. The book argues for the usefulness of applying complexity theory to address significant and intractable social problems and also challenges the reductionist approaches to solving those problems currently favoured by policy makers. It will be of interest to academics and postgraduate students in social work and criminal justice.

About the Author

Aaron Pycroft is Senior Lecturer in Addiction Studies in the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Portsmouth where he writes, teaches and researches on theory, policy and interventions with substance misuse.