Introduction to Social Work: Social Workers Effecting Change in Our World

This textbook presents a comprehensive and current overview of social work to help guide students as they begin their exploration of the field. Author Jessica A. Ritter infuses this text with a dynamic, updated approach while making sure to include time-tested elements useful in an introductory social work text. The book gives equal coverage to micro and macro social work, has a strong social justice orientation, and features a unique framework highlighting all three major domains of social work: practice, policy, and research.

Additional features of the book include a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) material as well as an emphasis on the current social challenges facing our country such as systemic racism; the Coronavirus pandemic; environmental justice; and the current political climate and political divisions. There are also case studies, critical thinking questions, insights on career-path options, and interactive features that aid student learning.

Fresh, contemporary, and accessible, this is the ideal text for the Introduction to Social Work course at the BSW level.

Jessica A. Ritter is a professor of social work at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level social work courses. Dr. Ritter earned her doctoral and master's degrees in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. Since becoming a social worker, she has been committed to improving and protecting children's rights in the United States and around the world. She has a special passion for preparing students for social work policy practice. Dr. Ritter is a Fulbright scholar and has authored and coauthored numerous books, book chapters, and articles within the field.