Human Behavior Theory

As American society becomes increasingly diverse, social workers must use a variety of human behavior frameworks to understand their clients' culturally complex concerns. This text applies specific human behavior theories to diversity practice. They show how human behavior theory can be employed in interventions in the life problems of diverse client populations at the individual, group, social network, and societal levels.

Several groups are examined. They include: minority groups; ethnic groups; women; older adults; members of certain social classes affected by economic and educational (dis)advantage, especially those living in poverty; people with developmental disabilities, people of varying sexual and gender orientations, and religious groups.

Case studies that illustrate social work practice in the area are highlighted. The case studies include Social Work Practice within a Diversity Framework; The Social Work Interview; Symbolic Interactionism: Social Work Assessment, Meaning, and Language; Erikson's Eight Stages of Development; Role Theory and Social Work Practice; A Constructionist Approach; Risk, Resilience and Resettlement; Addressing Diverse Family Forms; Small Group Theory; Natural Social Networks; Power Factors in Social Work Practice. This volume will be a fundament resource for practitioners and an essential tool for training.

Roberta R. Greene has numerous publications (17 books) on human behavior and gerontology, including risk and resilience, such as her co-authored book with Joe M. Schriver, Handbook on Human Behavior: A Practice-Based Approach (2016, Routledge), and an article on resilience in the Encylopedia of Social Work (2008, NASW Press). She served on the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy Commission, which mandates curriculum competencies. Dr. Greene is Professor Emeritus and former chair in Gerontology and Social Welfare at the School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin.

Nancy P. Kropf is Dean of Georgia State University's Perimeter College and Professor at the School of Social Work, Georgia State University. Dr. Kropf's main area of research is late life caregiving relationships, with a focus on older adults as care providers. She is the author or editor of ten books and ninety articles and chapters in related areas. Her most recent book is one she co-authored with Sherry Cummings, Senior Cohousing: A New Way Forward for Active Older Adults (2020, Springer).