Social Work, Social Justice, and Human Rights: A Structural Approach to Practice

Social workers take pride in their commitment to social and economic justice, peace, and human rights, and in their responses to related inequalities and social problems. At a time when economic globalization, armed conflict, and ecological devastation continue to undermine human rights and the possibilities for social justice, the need for linking a structural analysis to social work practice is greater than ever.

The second edition of this popular social work practice text more fully addresses the connection between social justice and human rights. It includes a discussion of social work's role in promoting peace and responding to environmental problems. It also places a greater attention on the links between social work theories/concepts and practice skill/responses.

The text has been updated and revised throughout with four new chapters: social work and human rights, cultural competence and practice with immigrant communities, social work and mental health communities, and practice with couples and families. Detailed case studies demonstrate the integration of theory, policy, and practice.

Colleen Lundy is Professor in the School of Social Work at Carleton University in Ottawa. She is the co-author, with Therese Jennissen, of One Hundred Years of Social Work: A History of the Profession in English Canada, 1900-2000 (Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2011).