For many social work users, shame is an ongoing part of their daily experience. Examining experiences of shame and stigma in the context of austerity and the declining welfare state, this book shows how social work can ameliorate the impacts of shame through sensitive, reflective and relationship-based practice. It provides a broad understanding of shame, its underlying social and political contexts and its effects on professional workers and service users.

Liz Frost is Associate Professor at the University of the West of England. Veronika Magyar-Haas is Professor in Educational Science at the University of Fribourg. Holger Schoneville is Senior Lecturer in social work at Dortmund University. Alessandro Sicora is Associate Professor and teaches social work at the University of Trento.