Abolition in Social Work and Human Services: Visions, Possibilities and Challenges

Globally, social workers are committed to human rights and challenging unjust social structures. However, their close ties to the state often reinforce such systems of oppression.

The first to apply abolitionist theory from international perspectives to social work, this book examines this contradiction, exploring whether social work can embrace radical change while operating within state structures. Bringing together scholars from the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Finland, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, it explores alternatives for addressing issues such as child protection, mental health, violence against women, drug use, violent extremism, homelessness and Indigenous sovereignty.

Essential reading for academics, researchers, students, human service practitioners and social activists, this book interrogates the implications of social work’s complicity with systems that perpetuate oppression and social injustice.

Ian Hyslop is Honorary Lecturer with the School of Social Practice, Faculty of Arts and Education, University of Auckland.

Bob Pease is Adjunct Professor at the School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania and Honorary Professor at Deakin University.