This resource for social work professionals and students explores the challenges of doing research with families and the key methods used. Discussed are critical approaches to research with families, including action research, focus groups, and participant observation, with special attention paid to the vulnerable position these families are often in as clients of social services and as research subjects. Qualitative and quantitative research methods and ways researchers can involve participants in the process are explored. Detailed case studies of research in a variety of settings, and with...

This wide-ranging collection of essays offers valuable insights into the cultural issues involved in the practical application of social work theories. Leading contributors explore the challenges faced by indigenous populations and ethnic minority groups, examining how they can gain control over their position as minority populations, and offering valuable guidance on cross-cultural work. The direct implementation of four established theoretical approaches - ecological systems, community development, strengths-based approaches and attachment theories - is shown in a variety of contexts,...

Serving as an indispensable guide to the latest developments in social work theory, this book also shows you how to apply this knowledge in your daily practice. Covering the emerging ideas and fields of practice, this book will show how social work can be applied across these diverse ideas.