Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare: Critical Thinking Perspectives

Karen K. Kirst-Ashman's introductory text enhances students' ability to grasp the essence and spirit of generalist social work and the issues in social welfare that social workers address everyday. Intended to give students contemplating a career in social work a solid introduction to the profession, Kirst-Ashman presents a balanced, introductory look at the profession, practice concepts, social welfare policy concepts, the history and current concerns of the profession of social work, contexts and populations served, and student development. The book also presents a unifying theme of critical thinking, intended to train students to be more evaluative of key concepts in social work from the very commencement of their interest in this potential career.