Social Work, Health and Equality

Deepening health inequalities, the restructuring of the welfare state involving the fragmentation of social work as a recognizable discipline, and popular disaffection with health and welfare professionals underline the need to rethink social work's contribution to people's health. In three main ways this book suggests what social work can contribute to people's health. The magnitude of the profound and unjust human suffering which arises from the impact of social inequalities on health should be a matter of urgent concern to social workers. Through focusing on this problem, social work can make a significant contribution to more equal chances and experiences of health and illness. To make such an impact requires major shifts in the conceptualization, practice and organization of social work. The text should be useful to trainees and professionals in social work and health care.