Modern Social Work Theory

by Malcolm Payne

This welcome new edition of a best-selling text offers a comprehensive survey of major theories relevant to social work practice and a clear assessment of the role and value of each approach based on the current critical literature. The book builds on the strength of the previous editions, with a major recasting of the first two chapters to bring them up to date, a wholly new chapter on feminist theory, and a greater emphasis on applying theory to practice. Taken together, the revisions will secure the continuing value of this world-class textbook as an invaluable companion for social work students and educators alike.

Genres: Social Work, School, Nonfiction, Textbooks

366 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 1 out of 5]

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 The book does not explore the concept of knowledge and how it is produced, relying on an outdated modernist approach in social work practice.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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info, but pretty dry and sometimes unclear.

[Fayrose Hajer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifth Edition
Excellent textbook

[faith adams-michaels · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kemal Çiftçi]

good

[Brianan Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.