An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods

Abstract

On being asked to review this book, I found it on the top of my pile of books relating to theory for first-year undergraduate social work students. Although I had only glanced at the index and chapter summaries, the consistency of structure in the book appealed to me. On closer reading, I discovered that, not only is each chapter written in unfussy and plain language with a predictable trajectory, but the book in its entirety is a broad and comprehensive text with ample references to seminal and contemporary research. Initially, I was puzzled to note that Teater had not deemed it necessary to include a chapter specifically outlining psycho-dynamic casework and the development of psycho-social perspectives, but found an overview of this in the introduction. I wonder, however, whether time-pushed students might skip the introduction and even disregard the text if they are in need of some specifics regarding relationship-based and psycho-social practice.