This book, by one of the leading theorists of social work, tackles a subject of crucial importance to students and practitioners alike: how social workers can enable their clients to challenge and transcend the manifold oppressions that disempower them (whether through poverty, disability, mental illness, etc.). It moves from a discussion of social work's purpose and ambitions to an exposition of theory and, from there, to the practice arenas of working with individuals, in groups, within organisations, and within a wider social and political context.

LENA DOMINELLI is Professor of Social and Community Development and Director of the Centre for International Social and Community Development in the Department of Social Work Studies at the University of Southampton. She is also the President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work. She has worked as a social worker, probation officer and community worker and has written 18 books, including Anti-Racist Social Work (second edition) and Sociology for Social Work.