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Introduction to Social Work
An Advocacy-Based Profession
Fourth
- Lisa E. Cox - Stockton University, USA
- Carolyn J. Tice - University of Maryland Baltimore County, USA
- Dennis D. Long - Xavier University, USA
January 2026 | SAGE Publications, Inc
The best-selling Introduction to Social Work takes students on an exploration of what social work is, what it was historically, and how to practically and effectively be an advocate as a social worker moving forward. Built on a unique advocacy practice and policy model comprised of four components—economic and social justice, a supportive environment, human needs and rights, and political access—this book provides an crucial lens for viewing today’s social issues.
Authors Lisa E. Cox, Carolyn J. Tice and Dennis D. Long emphasize advocacy throughout all of the sectors of social work, include a focus on environmental, international, and military social work, and stress the importance of interprofessionalism.
Written with a person-first approach, this Fourth Edition closely aligns with the latest Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), references the Code of Ethics from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and includes profound discussion of societal impacts on areas of public health, policy, juvenile justice, race, inequality, social movements, self-care, etc.
Authors Lisa E. Cox, Carolyn J. Tice and Dennis D. Long emphasize advocacy throughout all of the sectors of social work, include a focus on environmental, international, and military social work, and stress the importance of interprofessionalism.
Written with a person-first approach, this Fourth Edition closely aligns with the latest Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), references the Code of Ethics from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and includes profound discussion of societal impacts on areas of public health, policy, juvenile justice, race, inequality, social movements, self-care, etc.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Foreword
Part I: Understanding Social Work
Chapter 1: The Social Work Profession
Chapter 2: The History of Social Work
Chapter 3: Generalist Social Work Practice
Chapter 4: Advocacy in Social Work
Part II: Responding to Need
Chapter 5: Poverty and Inequality
Chapter 6: Family and Child Welfare
Chapter 7: Social Work in Health Care
Chapter 8: Physical, Cognitive, and Developmental Challenges and Disabilities
Chapter 9: Mental Health
Chapter 10: Substance Use and Addiction
Chapter 11: Helping Older Adults
Chapter 12: Criminal Justice
Chapter 13: Veterans, Service Members, Their Families, and Military Social Work
Part III: Working in Changing Contexts
Chapter 14: Communities at Risk and Housing
Chapter 15: The Changing Workplace
Chapter 16: Environmentalism
Chapter 17: International Social Work
Epilogue
Appendix A: Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers
Appendix B: Commonly Used Drugs Chart
Appendix C: Offense Analysis, United States, 2015-2019
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