The second edition of this celebrated book by two of the world's leading researchers in social work introduces readers to the main theories, theorists and perspectives that contribute to the debate on social work theory and social work methods. It brings together some outstanding international researchers in social work to challenge the reader to critically question how they think about social work.

The new edition includes a focus on the psychosocial perspective, with three new chapters on:

- Cognitive behavioural approaches

- Attachment theory and psychoanalytic social work

- Ecological approaches

Each chapter allows the reader to relate the theories and methods discussed to their own personal experiences. This reader friendly book includes student questions, glossaries and recommended reading so that students and practitioners can reappraise and expand the knowledge they have learned.

This book will be valuable for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking courses in social work theory and research methods, social work interventions and perspectives as well as post qualifying students and researchers in social work.

Introduction - Mel Gray and Stephen A. Webb
PART ONE: THEORISTS
Jurgen Habermas - Stan Houston
Anthony Giddens - Harry Ferguson
Pierre Bourdieu - Paul Michael Garrett
Michel Foucault - Jason Powell
Judith Butler - Brid Featherstone and Lorraine Green
PART TWO: THEORIES
Attachment theory - David Howe
Feminist social work - Joan Orme
Critical social work - Mel Gray and Stephen A. Webb
Structural social work - Kate Murray and Steven Hick
Multiculturalism - Purnima Sundar and Mylan Ly
Neoliberalism - Sue Penna and Martin O'Brien
Postmodern social work - Barbara Fawcett
PART THREE: PERSPECTIVES FOR PRACTICE
Cognitive-behavioural approach - Eric L. Garland and A. Bruce Thyer
Ecological approach - Fred Besthorn
Social network analysis - Deirdre Kirke
Ethnography - Jerry Floersch, Jeffrey Longhofer and Megan Nordquest Schwaille
Ethnomethodology - Gerald de Montigny
Discourse and reflexivity - Sue White
Evidence-based practice - Debbie Plath
Ways of knowing - Ian Shaw