The SAGE Handbook of Social Work Research
- Ian Shaw - University of York, UK
- Katharine Briar-Lawson - University at Albany, USA
- Joan Orme - Emeritus Professor, University of Glasgow
- Roy Ruckdeschel - Saint Louis University, USA
Ian Sinclair, University of York, UK
"This terrific Handbook provides an essential map for navigating the complex currents of social work research today. It resists polemical and simplistic binaries to chart a course that emphasizes diversity, pluralism and sensitivity to political contexts in many featured exemplars. As key chapters note, inherent tensions at the heart of social work itself are mirrored in current debates about the purposes and methods of social work research. Rather than patch over differences, the volume invites us to understand historical roots of unresolvable tensions, and live with them. The international scope of the volume is unique--scholars from more than a dozen different countries were involved --and its broad scope counters the tendency toward parochialism of much North American literature. The Handbook should be essential reading for students and academics." -
Catherine Riessman, Boston University, USA
The SAGE Handbook of Social Work Research provides a comprehensive, internationally-focused account of leading social work research, offering an original and defining statement on contemporary theory and practice within the field. The groundbreaking Handbook engages critically with the nature and role of social work research and evaluation in contemporary societies around the globe, and asks four key questions:
- What is the role and purpose of social work research?
- What contexts shape the practice and purpose of social work research?
- How can we maximise the quality of the practice of social work research?
- How can the aims of social work in its varied domains be met through social work research?
Ranging over local, national and international issues, and exploring questions of theory and practice, this is a diverse and constructively organized overview of the field. It will quickly be recognized as a benchmark in the expanding field of social work research, setting the agenda for future work in the arena.
'Overall, then, the Handbook is undoubtedly a great success. It represents a state-of-the-art mapping of the parameters of social work research. Both structure and content lend themselves to what will certainly come to be regarded as a benchmark statement within the field... the editors of the Handbook have undoubtedly fulfilled their ambitions by producing what by any standards is a benchmark text which is well worth the investment - time, effort, money (!) - entailed in getting to grips with the stimulating and rewarding debates within. It is hard to envisage how this undertaking could have been more impressive...'
Qualitative Social Work Journal
This is a highly ambitious, well thought out, carefully constructed, and thought-provoking volume that 'maps' social work research past and present. It differs markedly from most edited texts in its combination of diversity, coherence, and comprehensiveness... an original, stimulating and readable book in which not a single chapter is a rehash of the writer's previously published papers, as happens all too often in edited volumes. The modest term 'handbook' in its title hardly does justice to the book's depth, scope, and quality. While it can certainly serve as a ready reference guide, its thoughtfulness and questioning make it much more than a compendium of information, however rich. It is highly recommended for social work professionals throughout the Western world.
International Social Work Journal
'This is an internationally relevant handbook in the real sense of the word, as it provides a holistic and thorough overview of social work research in its current state... I have had the book for some months now and it fills me with optimism every time I pick it up. It has had a similar effect on nervous final-year social work students studying research, as they have expressed a huge sigh of relief after
examining this text because it offers so much knowledge and expertise in one place. It is clearly a must-have textbook for all final-year undergraduates, postgraduates, post-qualifying and research students because there is something for all inside. I would even go as far as to say it is an unrivalled international text that practitioners should also have if they feel serious about transforming the profession that they are part of.'
British Journal of Social Work
This textbook covers the key elements of social work research. It provides in-depth summaries of more specialist issues. The content is quite complex in places so I would not recommend this to the less able students initially.
A sound research text
Excellent Resource for Social Work Research Students and Practitioners.
This is a detailed and thoughtful resource for developing social work researchers. The introductory material creates a useful and thought-provoking context for the well devleoped research material.
Excellent coverage of a wide array of relevent topics
Well organised
An excellent text with a wide range of authors contributing to the chapters. Good to see such a comprehensive book devoted to social work research.
Detailed and useful text providing reference and direction when undertaking social work research
Informative and clearly presented. This books gives meaning and understanding to social work research. It combines a straight forward approach with student friendly text.
