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Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice

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In an extensive update to reflect the recent developments in theory and practice, the new edition of Understanding Social Work covers the basics in an easy-to-comprehend style. It is an ideal preparatory text for those considering a career in social work, students just starting their degree and in preparation for the first placement.

190 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2000

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About the author

Neil Thompson

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5 stars
38 (46%)
4 stars
27 (32%)
3 stars
10 (12%)
2 stars
7 (8%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Max.
10 reviews
July 3, 2025
As a social work student, this book helped me understand the complexities of social work and its inherent challenges. Social work changes because of societal factors, and it really taught me the basis of social work. This book isn't here to give you a clear-cut way to be a social worker, but rather to think about your values and how to proceed as a social worker.

This book had some spelling errors, and I have an issue with "This chapter will teach you..." so that is why I gave it a four rather than a five. Other than that, I recommend this book to social work students or current social workers. However, people who aren't in the UK one of the chapters will not apply to you.
12 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2019
Intelligent, academic, educational.
3 reviews
June 7, 2020
Good for social work students, explains concepts well, complete book with useful examples.
Profile Image for Kirsten Arding.
16 reviews
April 12, 2021
I'm preparing to start studying social work so this gave me a really good understanding of the workings of a SW.
4 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2016
As someone who was interested in pursuing a career in social work, I picked up this book as a means to become better acquainted with the practice, before beginning my first semester. It is informative, honest, and gives good direction to further readings that can enhance the understanding of the philosophical challenges in the profession. This is a great supplement to any introduction to social work course.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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