​Complexities of social work unmasked in academics’ new book

THE increasingly complex and sensitive nature of social work is the subject of a new book by two lecturers from the University of Chichester.

Academics Christopher Smethurst and Kish Bhatti-Sinclair, of the Department of Childhood, Social Work, and Social Care, seek to guide social care professionals on developing an understanding of the issues of diversity and oppression.

The joint publication, Diversity, Difference, and Dilemmas: Analysing concepts and developing skills, is aimed students, academics, newly qualified social workers and established professionals.

It introduces social differences in relation to class, race, disability, gender, and sexual orientation and their impact on social work practice.

Kish Bhatti-Sinclair, a Reader in Social Policy and Social Work, said: “Social work practitioners are involved in increasingly complex situations and a sensitive understanding of diversity and oppression is key to professional practice.

“Instead of providing a reductive ‘how-to’ guide to diversity issues, this book invites practitioners to develop a considered and analytical approach to diversity issues that are often complex, multi-faceted, and contested – and to reflect on the issues involved.”

The book, which is out now, introduces tools and methods to promote attitudes and behaviours which enable people to live together while respecting cultural, religious, and ethnic differences.

The University’s commitment to producing practitioners confident in ethical practice is the foundation of both its BA (Hons) in Social Work and MA in Social Work.

Chris Smethurst, Head of the Department of Childhood, Social Work, and Social Care, added: “This is an essential book for all those interested in providing excellence in practice, whether students, newly qualified social workers, or established professionals in social care.

“It also explains the essential skills expected in the professional standards such as the Professionals Capability Framework.”

To find out more about the book visit www.amazon.co.uk/Diversity-Difference-Dilemmas-Analysing-developing/dp/0335261825.

Alternatively for more about courses by the Department of Childhood, Social Work, and Social Care at the University of Chichester go to www.chi.ac.uk/socialwork.