One of the most effective ways of dealing with social problems is getting rid of the cause of the problem, not just finding a remedy for the result. Social Action in Group Work provides a useful overview of the history, philosophy, theory, and practice of social group work and action in the promotion of societal change. It shows practitioners how to use their skills effectively to achieve social change. This helpful book incorporates ideas developed in social movements, identifies their contributions to social group work practice, and illustrates effective practice in case experience with specific examples. It provides a much-needed understanding of the need for and process of social action, along with new ideas for theory building, teaching, and practice in group work. Numerous case examples from a variety of different settings become models that will be extremely useful for social work students, educators, professionals, and those who work directly with groups.This invigorating book is divided into three sections, each with a unique focus, and tied together by overlapping concepts, theories, and models. The first section, Ideas of Social Action, examines the history of social action in group work and proposes an integrated global framework for social work organization, education and practice. Advocacy and Empowerment, the middle section, is replete with case examples. The third section, Principles and Practice, explores the application of social group work in a variety of situations, including inter-ethnic conflict and a group of homeless men and women. Together, the sections make a strong stand for a more sensitive, empowerment oriented practice and for more advocacy by the worker and group. Everyone involved or interested in the process of social change through social action with groups will find Social Action in Group Work a wealth of practical information.
- Introduction
- I. Ideas of Social Action
- Social Action, The Group and Society Social Change and Citizen Action: A Philosophical Exploration for Modern Social Group Work
- Social Action, Empowerment and Social Work--An Integrative Theoretical Framework for Social Work and Social Work With Groups
- Advocacy and Social Action: Key Elements in the Structural Approach to Direct Practice in Social Work
- Barriers to Effective Social Action by Groups
- II. Advocacy and Empowerment
- The Critical Role of Social Action in Empowerment Oriented Groups
- Reflections on Social Action Practice in France
- Some Aspects of Empowerment: A Case Study of Work With Disadvantaged Youth
- Empowerment Through Social Action Group Work: The “Self-Directed” Approach
- The Role of Structure in Effective Agency Advocacy
- III. Principles and Practice
- Mobilizing Women’s Strengths for Social Change: The Group Connection
- The Use of the Group and Group Work Techniques in Resolving Inter-Ethnic Conflict
- Action and Reflection in Work With a Group of Homeless People
- The Relevance of Stages of Group Development Theory to Community Organization Practice
- Index
Biography
Abe Vinik and Morris Levin have shared more than forty years of professional practice together as colleagues, collaborators and friends. Both studied social group work with Grace Coyle at Case-Western Reserve University in the 1940's and pursued their careers in neighborhood based agencies, retiring in the 1980's as executive directors with the United Jewish Community Centers in the San Francisco Metropolitan Area and the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago. Each has taught group process at the University of Chicago and other schools of social work in the U.S. They have held board leadership positions in NASW and other professional organizations and institutions, written extensively - with primary focus on group work theory, board and staff development, agency planning and administration, and served as consultants for the State Department in Europe and Israel. Since their retirement they have concentrated their consultation to local and national organizations in the areas of executive development, evaluation of agency structures and programs, and continuing education for professional staff.
