Socially Just Practice in Groups:A Social Work Perspective

In Socially Just Practice in Groups: A Social Work Perspective authors Robert Ortega and Charles D. Garvin present a broad array of case examples that will be helpful to group workers at all levels of social work education. The book integrates social justice perspectives throughout and comprehensively covers all of the aspects of group practice in a social work setting. This text is founded on principles of social justice, including a more equal distribution of power and resources among groups in society as well as the elimination of oppression of some individuals and groups. These principles are emphasized, expanded and reflected upon throughout the book.

While group work practice explicitly focuses on creating change towards social justice goals or on learning about differences and barriers to justice, in this book, this focus is integrated with an understanding of common elements of small groups, how these elements are necessary and useful for achieving the members as well as the group's goals, as well as ways in which such elements may contribute to furthering justice or injustice.

The text covers all the basics of group practice, including getting started, doing group work, establishing the purpose, roles and tasks of the group, the stages and phases of practice and specific skills in assessment, monitoring and evaluation. Each relevant chapters contains a detailed case example to illustrate the concept presented, as well as exercises to help students practice these skills.