When Social Workers Impact Policy and Don’t Just Implement It
A Framework for Understanding Policy Engagement
By John Gal and Idit Weiss-Gal
ISBN
978-1447364764Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressISBN
978-1447364757Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressISBN
978-1447364771Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressISBN
978-1447364771Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
When Social Workers Impact Policy and Don’t Just Implement It
Rather than being seen simply as social policy implementors, in recent decades there has been increasing recognition of social workers as professionals with unique knowledge and insights to contribute to policy formulation and social justice.
This book offers a path-breaking, evidence-based theoretical framework for understanding why social workers engage in policy, both as professionals and citizens, and the impact of their actions. Drawing on concepts from social work and the political, sociological and policy sciences, the authors set out the implications of this framework for research, education and practice.
“Social workers have always been engaged in social policies – of all types, at many levels, in different arenas, using a range of professional strategies. Now we have a thoughtful book with compelling examples and insights. The authors are international leaders on this topic. This book should become a standard text.” Michael Sherraden, Washington University
“This book will be enlightening for those who care about the political engagement of social workers.” Sigrid Leitner, Cologne University of Applied Sciences
“A groundbreaking text which establishes policy practice as a professional responsibility of all social workers, and introduces a framework that will enable them to effectively impact on policy debates and outcomes.” Philip Mendes, Monash University
"This book explores the opportunities, environments and motivations that affect how social workers can influence policy at national, local and organizational levels. Educators, students and professionals should read this book that signposts the actions that could have an impact on political discourse and policy decisions." Annamaria Campanini, President, IASSW
John Gal is Full Professor and former Dean at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Idit Weiss-Gal is a Full Professor and former Head of the Bob Shapell School of Social Work at Tel Aviv University.
1. Introduction
2. On the social work–social policy interface
3. The environments
4. Opportunity
5. Facilitation
6. Motivation
7. Explaining the policy engagement of social workers and beyond
