Toward a Livable Life: A 21st Century Agenda for Social Work

Historically, social workers have confronted and alleviated many of society's most far-reaching and seemingly intractable challenges. As we move further into the 21st century, however, the field faces a renewed call to action as critical problems become more deeply and widely engrained in the world's social fabric. Enlisting the insights of leading social work scholars, Toward a Livable Life grapples with 13 key areas in an effort to identify innovative solutions toward achieving a "livable life"-- that is, a life in which individuals are able to thrive and develop in order to reach their full potential and capacity. To this end, the volume paves the way for the effort that lies ahead for social work researchers, practitioners, teachers, and students.

About the Author :
Mark Robert Rank, PhD, MS, is Herbert S. Hadley Professor of Social Welfare at Washington University in St. Louis. He is widely recognized as one of the country�s foremost experts on issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice.

Review :
"At a critical juncture in the history of the U.S. and the social work profession, when our fundamental values are under concerted attack, Mark Rank and colleagues have produced a powerful portrait of a future based on human decency and social equity. The essays in this concise, thoughtful book explore a range of pressing contemporary issues and propose realistic policy and practice solutions that, in an ideal world, would shape both our political discourse and frame conversations in our popular culture. Based on solid research, they are written in an accessible manner, demonstrating how scholars can disseminate their work so that it reaches the widest possible audience. Toward a Livable Life should be required reading for all political candidates, pundits, and persons who care about what kind of society we want to create in the years ahead." -- Michael Reisch, PhD, Daniel Thursz Distinguished Professor of Social Justice, School of Social Work, University of Maryland "Drawing on the collective experience and wisdom of the distinguished faculty of the Brown School, Toward a Livable Life provides social work scholars, practitioners, and students with much food for thought and action.�Informed by the profession's longstanding commitment to bringing evidence to the pursuit of social justice, the authors of this volume illuminate the nature of the challenges facing everyday Americans and others around the world and identify potential strategies for addressing them. This should be essential reading for all those interested in the myriad ways that social workers can be involved in leveling the playing field for marginalized populations." -- Mark E. Courtney, PhD, MSW, MA, Samuel Deutsch Professor, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago; Editor, Social Service Review "Now more than ever, our society needs the expertise, knowledge, and practice the field of social work provides. This volume takes a bold step in addressing those needs and shifting our gaze to the most important issues we presently face in helping institutions, communities, families, and children create livable lives in a contested America. This volume informs and reinforces a core value of social work: hope. It is a must-read!" -- Linda M. Burton, PhD, MA, Dean and Professor, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley