The Call to Social Work: Life Stories

by Craig Winston Lecroy

The Call to Social Work, Second Edition is a presentation of narrative descriptions about the work and life of a wide variety of contemporary social workers. The book provides an in-depth understanding of why people choose social work, how they garner meaning from their work, and what they struggle with as they provide needed services. Additionally, it presents more information about the everyday practice of social work, both the challenges and the joys. Instructors who use this book in their courses will be able to contrast their ideals of practice with the realities captured in each life story, while students who read the book will be able to think about whether each story represents good practice, or what principles they would adhere to based on their understanding of social work.

Genres: Social Work, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2002

Reviews

[Simon Elgato · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more a book to dip in and out of, rather than read cover to cover-and I should have read it with a notepad, as there are definitely nuggets of wisdom (for social workers and non social workers alike) that are worth jotting down. Some of the life stories are very compelling, but I have to say that in the majority, I was more interested when the narrators talked about examples of clients stories that had touched them or somehow changed their perspective, rather than the social workers own life stories, which perhaps says more about me than the book, but could also indicate that the SWs life stories weren't as compelling as the clients'. The book definitely feels dated (pub. 2002), as I suppose to have fuller life stories, the author chose older people, but that means that a lot of the interviewees started work in the '70s and '80s. An updated version for the 21st century would be very interesting. All in all, a thought-provoking and touching read, although in need of an edit.

[Crystal Dugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this it came into my mind that some of these individuals should not be Social workers and have a problem with pushing their opinions onto others and in some cases even guilt them into relationships that may not serve them. While the majority truly had a heart for it and were able to approach each client in an unbiased approach some did not have that approach and did their clients a great disservice.

[Wench · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped convince me I should go in to social work. It's not always easy to read, but it does exactly as advertised - present what social work is like, good and bad, from the people out there doing it. I kind of wish this were the book discussed in MSW orientations.

[Olivia Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it spoke to the potential social worker in me. definitely recommend to anyone interested in social work.

[Muantei Ralte]

It is indeed a good book...