Poverty, Inequality and Social Work: The Impact of Neo-Liberalism and Austerity Politics on Welfare Provision

Description

A critical analysis of the domino effect of neoliberalism and austerity on social work. Applying theory including those of Bourdieu and Wacquant to practice, it argues that social work should return to a focus on relational and community approaches.

Ian Cummins is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Salford University. He qualified as a probation officer and subsequently worked as a mental health social worker. His research interests including the history of community care and mental health issues in the CJS. His most recent work has focused on poverty, inequality and advanced marginality.

"The book rightly calls for a return to relational and community approaches to practice, approaches that acknowledge the impact of poverty and inequality. It is timely and should appeal to students and practitioners alike." Professional Social Work Magazine. "This extremely timely, accessible and invaluable analysis develops ideas for social work that challenge the dominant policy direction and promote the social justice ideals of the profession." Anna Gupta, Royal Holloway University of London