• ISBN13: 9781526464293
• Binding: Paperback
• Subject: Sociology and Anthropology
• Publisher: Sage Publications
• Publisher Imprint: Learning Matters
• Publication Date: December 10, 2023
• Pages: 328
• Original Price: GBP 26.99
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 520 grams

Sociological perspectives can be used to analyse societal and structural influences on human behaviour at individual, group and community levels. The authors link sociological concepts, debates and theories relating to key areas such as poverty, social exclusion, education, social class and social justice to develop your students′ understanding of how sociological perspectives will impact upon their social work placements and practice.

This book begins by taking you step-by-step through the ins and outs of why sociology is important to social work. It explains the relevance of sociology to everyday social work practice, introducing you to the core sociological perspectives that you′ll need to get to grips with during your course, including functionalism, Marxism, symbolic interactionism and postmodernism. The book then moves on to explore various social issues in detail (i.e. poverty, social class, social exclusion, education, moral panics), with extended case studies, activities and links to skills in practice illustrating the many opportunities and challenges that each aspect brings to everyday practice. There are also important chapters on family, community and the role of sociology in social work training. 

Jo Cunningham is a Principal Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Central Lancashire and programme leader of the BA Social Work. Jo has taught sociology and social work practice for a number of years. Before commencing her lecturing career, Jo was a social worker in the area of children and families. Research interests include childhood accidents and child death, and more recently the practice implications of asylum policy for professionals, children and their families.

Steve Cunningham is a Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Central Lancashire. He has taught sociology at both undergraduate and postgraduate level for 27 years. His research interests are focused on welfare history, poverty and social security, the sociology of welfare and children’s political activism. He is the author of numerous publications in these areas.

Alice O′Sullivan is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Social Care at Leeds Beckett University.  She has taught on range of undergraduate and postgraduate social work, social science and social care programmes since 2010. Her teaching interests centre upon sociology, social policy and social justice. Before becoming a lecturer, Alice was a social worker working with children and families.