An Introduction to Key Theorists in Social Work: Theorising Practice

Covering a range of important social theorists - from W.E.B. Du Bois to Judith Butler - this accessibly written textbook encourages critical thinking and critical approaches to social work, providing an entry point for anyone interested in thinking theoretically about practice.

Key features include:

- essential terms explained throughout;

- end-of-chapter prompts to promote further thinking from students;

- suggestions for further reading complete with commentary; and

- companion website with links to videos, a lesson plan and additional resources.

Written for introductory audiences and experts alike, this book will appeal to students studying social work or other related social and allied professions at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as practitioners engaged in professional development.

Joe Whelan is Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin, Eire. An award-winning scholar, Whelan’s article ’Work and Thrive or Claim and Skive: Experiencing the Toxic Symbiosis of Worklessness and Welfare Recipiency in Ireland’ was awarded the IRJ Distinguished Article Prize in 2022.