Modern Social Work Theory

by Malcolm Payne

This masterly text is a classic in its field and will be a reliable companion throughout the course of your studies and your career as a social work practitioner. In this substantially reworked and updated fourth edition of his best-selling text, Malcolm Payne presents clear and concise evaluations of the pros and cons of major theories that inform social work practice, and comparisons between them. Modern Social Work Theory is now more accessible and comprehensive than ever, offering: the most complete coverage of social work theory, from classic perspectives to the very latest ideas, including a new chapter dedicated to strengths, narrative, and solutions approaches; a host of brand new case examples showing how theories can be applied to everyday practice; new analysis of the ethical dimensions of different social work theories and what common values they share; Pause and Reflect questions to encourage you to draw on your own experience and develop your thinking; and updated Example text sections which summarize the most current thinking and help bridge the gap between introductions to each theory and more specialist writing.

Genres: Social Work, School, Nonfiction, Textbooks

464 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2014

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.