Modern Social Work Theory

by Malcolm Payne

An extensive review of one of the most admired books on social work theory, Malcolm Payne has substantially reworked the content as well as the organization of this important theory book in response to the suggestions of academics and practitioners, while retaining the clarity and critical analysis of the previous edition. Used in practice and human behavior courses around the world, this valuable text is still the only one of its kind.

Genres: Social Work, School, Nonfiction, Textbooks

366 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[Katie]

Although this book provides a comprehensive look at the breadth of social work theory, the writing is unclear and hard to follow. The chapters are disorganized and examples are unclearly connected to the material.

[Abdullah Benaziz]

I think this book would be helpful for social workers

[Georgina Chambers]

This book was super useful ~ my favourite chapter was chapter 12: Feminist Perspectives. I liked the way the book looked at many theories (and provided a lot context of where and how these theories originated) then discussed what these look like in practice.

[Emma]

A wonderful guide and summary of theories used in social work practice. I'd recommend this for any budding social worker in their studies or first few years of practice.

[Naomi]

Provided a really good, brief overview of the main theories with plenty of practical techniques. Chapter 12 on empowerment and advocacy was my favourite section.

[Gene Dawson]

This textbook lacks established contemporary viewpoints. The opinion of the author throughout the text is not supported with literature. The definition and explanation of social construction are simply inaccurate. The book does not explore the concept of knowledge and how it is produced, relying on an outdated modernist approach in social work practice. Sadly, feminism is reduced to concerns on women's experiences. His politics of theory analysis is underdeveloped, and frankly I find it childish to frame critiques on theories as "attacks" (and "unrelenting attacks"). It seems the author may have attempted to write a book on his own to cover it all, including theories that he does not have a keen grasp of.

[Bess]

Read this years ago;

[Jennifer C]

5th edition. Very comprehensive overview of theories of practice through a social work lens. I am sure I will use this throughout my doctoral program.

[Logan Brown]

Good info, but pretty dry and sometimes unclear.

[Fayrose Hajer]

Fifth Edition
Excellent textbook

[faith adams-michaels]

rounded up from 3.5. comprehensive & very teaching but i take issue with some of the analyses/connotations.

[Autumn]

Textbooks are often soul-crushing to read... but I find this book was easy to read, easy to follow, well-written, and immensely helpful as a social work student.

[Bennett Reiss]

Decent book for those studying social work. I found the readings assigned to me in my other classes a bit more engaging in the academic sense. I do think Payne is good at what he does and this is definitely a worthy read if you are in the field.

[Charles46]

This is a good book to learn how to be a social work practice

[Kemal Çiftçi]

good

[Brianan Jones]

Great resource for learning social work theories. Easy to use summaries but also in-depth analysis.

[Akhilathero]

I would like to recommend this book who are practising and studying SW.