Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Macro Level ─ Groups, Communities, and Organizations

A timely revision in this global age. Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Macro Level develops a sophisticated and original view of the cultural, global, spiritual, and natural worlds that people inhabit, and the impact of these worlds on human behavior. Its major new theme, sustainability, emerges as a key characteristic of contemporary practice. What is sustainable social work? What are the characteristics of a sustainable community? How is the present exploitation of environmental resources unsustainable for future generations? Following the greatest economic upheaval since the Great Depression, how can we envision a sustainable economy that will benefit all the people, not only the wealthy few?

Human behavior results from biological, psychological, socio-economic, and cultural forces, but the mental health field has placed the most emphasis on intrapsychic factors to the near exclusion of socio-economic and cultural considerations. This significant collaboration seeks to correct this omission by helping students recognize patterns in the family, culture, and value systems in order to create safe and sustainable environments for their future clients. The emphasis on sustainable and unsustainable social welfare programs is geared to helping readers engage in advocacy for social justice.

Don't miss the companion volume, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Second Edition, which offers an eye-opening view of how biological, and cultural forces influence individuals' behavior.

Katherine Van Wormer is Professor of Social Work at the University of Northern lowa and is the author or co-author of 15 books in the fields of women and criminal justice, addictions treatment, social welfare in global perspective, and confronting oppression.
Fred H. Besthorn is Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Northern lowa. He has written extensively on the development of a framework for integrating deep ecological awareness with social work policy and strengths-based practice. He is the creator of the Global Alliance for a Deep Ecological Social Work.