Rural social work: International perspectives(BASW/Policy Press titles)

In much of the West the concerns of rural people are marginalised and rural issues neglected.This stimulating book draws upon a rich variety of material to show why rural social work is such a challenging field of practice. It incorporates research from different disciplines and places to provide an accessible and comprehensive introduction to rural practice. The first part of the book focuses upon the experience of rurality. The second part of the book turns to the development of rural practice, reviewing different ways of working from casework through to community development. This book is relevant to planners, managers and practitioners not only in social work but also in other welfare services such as health and youth work, who are likely to face similar challenges.

Table of Contents:
Introduction; Contexts of practice; The social dynamics of small communities; Indigenous peoples: dispossession, colonisation and discrimination; The experience of other minorities; Problems and possibilities in rural practice; Models for practice 1: personal social services; Models for practice 2: community social work; Workforce issues; Conclusion.

About the Author :
Richard Pugh is Professor of Social Work at Keele University, UK, and has written on a range of rural issues including rural racism, professional and personal boundaries, and the theoretical development of rural social work. Brian Cheers is Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Rural Health and Community Development at the University of South Australia and Adjunct Professor in the Arts and Social Sciences Department at James Cook University, Queensland, Australia.

Review :
"This book is timely for two reasons: first our greater understanding of the benefits of learning across social work contexts - the UK, Australia and North America. Second, the greater interest in local assessment of need, community profiles, decentralisation and place-shaping. Rural social work practice is rising up the education, training and research agenda; this text provides its champions and novices with stimulating and evidence-based ideas and information." Jill Manthorpe, Professor of Social Work, King's College London. "...a well organized and accessible volume discussing the intricacies and sometimes contradictions of rural services. As "the world gets flatter", let us not forget those politically and socially isolated populations who are still struggling to function within their chosen communities... Pugh and Cheers have written with the authority of personal experience in the field and with a great deal of empathy for those our fast moving work appears to be leaving by the wayside. This book will be an excellent and necessary guide for practitioners and students of the rural field." Emilia E. Martinez-Brawley, John F. Roatch Distinguished Professor and Professor of Social Work, Arizona State University, USA