Social Work and Social Welfare

Social Work and Social Welfare: An Invitation is a best-selling text and website for introductory courses in social work. It provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values that are essential for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, in a variety of practice settings. The sixth edition has been updated to reflect the contemporary world in which today?s social workers practice, with current demographic, statistical, legislative, policy, and research information; sensitive discussions of ethical dilemmas; and fresh profiles of social workers with first-person narratives to demonstrate the dynamic fi eld students will be joining. To address the dramatic changes in the world in which social workers practice since the fifth edition was released, we have revised and added content:

• Centering diversity, equity, and inclusion to elevate anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice, including a critical review of our profession?s history.


• Demonstrating how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified inequities as well as ways in which social workers responded to the needs of their clients, organizations, and communities.


• Updating language to reflect commitment to and respect for inclusivity, gender identity, and nongendered identities.

The content in this text is supported by a range of fully updated instructor led and student resources that are available on its companion website, www. routledgesw.com. Assignments, exercises, and readings that help instructors and students apply the concepts and theories the textbook reviews may be found there, as well as extensive interactive case studies to engage students in some of society?s most challenging issues.

"Social Work and Social Welfare includes exactly what I want to cover in an introductory course. The textbook?s clear, engaging, and concrete chapters explain and illustrate core concepts and help the theoretical information come alive. Throughout the book, students will receive a taste of practice settings through vignettes, case studies, and strategies that depict real-life situations and provide excellent frames of reference for their future studies and professional aspirations."
Jessica Friedrichs, Assistant Professor and Director of BSW Field Education, Carlow University

"The latest edition of this book by Marla Berg- Weger and Vithya Murugan stands out in comparison to other introductory textbooks. Students find it reader-friendly and well-organized, and the authors provide several ways, both in their clear explanation of the fundamental facets of social work and the many activities, exercises, and illustrations interspersed throughout the book, for readers to focus on the material at hand and understand it on a deeper, applied level."
Daniel Durkin, Associate Professor, The University of Mississippi

"Authors Marla Berg-Weger and Vithya Murugan have done a fine job updating the latest edition of Social Work and Social Welfare. The textbook provides a strong introduction to generalist social work practice for the beginning social work student, and our students have always found the material easy to understand and apply. In the latest edition, the authors have kept up with contemporary issues including white supremacy, LGBTQIA+ communities, changes to the NASW Code of Ethics, and the effects of COVID- 19. I especially liked that the authors included a section on self- care which is greatly needed in our field! We will adopt the newest version for our students who will benefit from the authors? writing and insights."
Felix Amato, Associate Professor, Salem State University