Religion, Belief and Social Work: Making a Difference (Social Work in Practice Series)

This book examines how religion and related beliefs have varied impacts on the needs and perceptions of practitioners, service users, and the support networks available to them. The authors argue that social workers need to understand these phenomena, so that they can become more confident in challenging discriminatory and oppressive practices. The centrality of religion and associated beliefs in the lives of many is emphasised, as are their potentially liberating (and potentially negative) impacts.

In line with the "Social Work in Practice" series style, the book allows readers to explore issues in depth. It focuses on knowledge transmission, and the encouragement of critical reflection on practice. Each chapter is built around 'real-life' case scenarios using a problem-based learning approach.

This book is the first to deal with social work and religion so comprehensively and will therefore be essential reading not only for social work students, but also for practitioners in a range of areas, social work academics and researchers in the UK and beyond.

Sheila Furness is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Bradford, England. She has also worked as an inspector of residential care homes and as a teacher in the UK and Nigeria.

Philip Gilligan is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Bradford, England. He has also worked as a social work practitioner and manager, predominantly with children and families in the UK and Kenya.