Social Development in Social Work: Practices and Principles

Social work has always been concerned with the development of society as the basis for achieving the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Interest in this important aspect of social work is now seeing a resurgence, not only in the ‘developing countries’ of the global South, but also in the global North. This innovative book provides an introduction to the area.

Using concrete examples taken from practice around the world, Social Development in Social Work address questions such as:

• How should social development be understood as a core aspect of social work practice?
• What is the significance of economics, politics and the environment for a developmental approach in social work?
• How may a comparative understanding of social welfare practices, programs and policies enhance social development in social work?
• In what ways does social development contribute to international and domestic social work?
• What skills, knowledge and theory do social workers need to practise in this field?

Arguing that social development should be at the centre of contemporary social work practice and theory, this book is ideal for social work students and academics with an interest in social development, international social work, social justice, social policy and community social work.

Richard Hugman is Professor of Social Work at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He has held positions in practice, teaching and research in Australia and the UK, and is widely published in social work and related fields. His recent practice is in social development in Asia.