Social Work, Social Welfare, and American Society

by Philip R. Popple, Leslie Leighninger

B> Written by two of the best-known authors in social work today, this book discusses the values, ethics, and knowledge needed by social workers. In addition, this book provides a political perspective on social welfare, with definitions of liberal, conservative, and radical positions, to help readers better appreciate the political context of social welfare programs. Provides readers with strong coverage of diversity issues, and gives readers a broad view of how diversity issues affect all of us, our clients, and our profession. The author includes three comprehensive chapters on poverty, covering theory, economics, and past and present anti-poverty programs. "Social Work Destinations" featured throughout the book direct readers to museums and sites related to social welfare issues, such as Hull House, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and the Museum of African American History. Social Workers, and those interested in the Social Welfare System.

624 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was assigned as a required textbook for my Master of Social Work coureswork (Social Welfare Policy & Services).

I really enjoyed reading this textbook and I thought that it gave an interesting perspective on the history of social welfare in America and how it is impacted by the political beliefs that are common at the time. This book made me consider why we have the social welfare policies we do today and why they have been designed the way they are. Sometimes, as a social worker, it seems like the deficits in social welfare programs are extremely clear. By learning about their history, it is easier to understand why some of those deficits exist, as well as what a potential path past those deficits could be.

This text describes itself as trying to provide an unbiased view of social welfare. Each chapter ends with a discussion of the (traditional) conservative, liberal, and progressive perspectives surrounding each welfare issue. However, it was clear while reading that the author held some disdain for the conservative viewpoints. Because of this, the book isn't quite unbiased. In addition, the author distinguishes traditional conservatives and Tea Party/alt-right conservatives. I would have appreciated a discussion of the alt-right perspective of each welfare issue in addition to the traditional conservative perspective, because the alt-right perspective is more common.

[LaDawn Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting take on different political views and how those have shaped social work today.