Social Work: A Profession of Many Faces (Updated Edition)

So what is social work? The book seeks to explain and inspire. It targets the university student majoring, or choosing to major, in this subject. It explains that a social worker can make a positive difference in a person's life. In many people's lives. Often, the people who need aid are underprivileged in one form or another. One chapter delineates the typical groups. The elderly. Those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse. The disabled; blind, deaf, or otherwise physically handicapped. The mentally handicapped. Those in jail or those recently released, seeking support. Low income persons. Etc. A lengthy list that can certainly discourage some, but hopefully if the chapter inspires you, then it may be telling you that you are suited for the profession. The book also takes a global view of the profession. Some other American texts focus just on the American scene. The global perspective can be instructive. It shows varying needs. It might also make you appreciate that many societies, especially in developing countries, simply have far fewer social workers. And that the US, for all its defects, is fortunate to have the wealth to support this profession.