Authors: Helen Northen and Roselle Kurkland
Publisher: Columbia University Press – 514 pages
Book Review by: Paiso Jamakar
At the outset, we would like to quote the authors’ overview of what social work practice is, to give you the readers a general perspective. They write (italics mine):
“Social work practice is a positive and optimistic way of working with people that draws out the very best in them. In fact, the very act of forming a group is a statement of belief in people’s strength and in the fact that each person has something to offer and contribute to the lives of others.
I had (as perhaps you might also have) assumed that the practice (and study) of social work was based on gathering data from a group of people on their thoughts, beliefs and behavior and comparing them with a set of principles on how people in general think, believe, and act. But it seems the social work practice is more of an art than it is based on science.
There are positive outcomes to achieve in people through social work, rather than just examine and record their thoughts, beliefs and actions. Social work is a process with expected positive outcomes, such as improving their lives materially, emotionally, and of course, socially
For positive outcomes to be achieved, social work practice has to be effective. When is it effective? The authors point out that it’s effective when people interact personally to support and challenge one another as they consider, understand, appreciate, respect, and build upon each other’s dilemmas, experiences, points of view, problems, and situations.
The authors Helen Northen and Roselle Kurkland write that ‘effective group work’ is “needed more than ever in our increasingly depersonalized world.”
The main purpose of this third edition is to address the complex requirements of effective group work practice. Consequently this book has set forth a comprehensive framework that can be applied to diverse populations and situations. It looks at many components of what makes effective group work, including the following:
- Groups in Social Work Practice
- The Knowledge Base for Practice
- Relationships: The Heart of Practice
- Intervention in Groups
- Planning
- Pregroup Contact: Selection and Preparation of Members
- Purpose
- The Problem-Solving Process
- Conflict
- Roles of Members
- The Use of Activity
- Stage I: Inclusion-Orientation
- Stage II: Uncertainty-Exploration
- Stage III: Mutuality and Goal Achievement
- Stage IV: Separation-Termination
- Evaluation
The authors point out that while the second edition of this book is being used widely by students, teachers of social work as well as practicing professionals in the world of social work, a new edition was needed because the practice of social work practice has “accelerated rapidly in the last dozen years,” along with expanding knowledge of human behavior, changing social environment, and new social policies.
This third edition provides:
- New and updated information about the theory and practice of social work with groups
- Understanding about not only what you should do now but also of how and why to do it at a given time
Social work practice as covered in this book is based upon an ‘ecosystem orientation’ that takes into account:
- The biological, psychological, and social functioning of members of a given social group
- The development and social processes of groups
- Environmental forces
As noted at the beginning of this book review, social work is an art and a science. The authors write: “social work practice is goal directed and process oriented with mutual aid as a primary dynamic for change. Practitioners help groups to form for particular purposes and facilitate the development of relationships among the members through which they become able to provide mutual aid and support in working toward their personal and social goals.”
This book has somewhat changed my view of what social work is, even with nonfamily groups. I had assumed it was basically a part of sociology focused more on learning and helping disadvantaged individuals and groups, such as families. But social work involving groups is about helping members of a group work together for the common benefit of all. It is an art and a science with an empirical basis. This book is a valuable one for everyone.
Authors:
Helen Northen is professor emeriti in the School of Social Work at the University of Southern California. Her previous books include Clinical Social Work with Knowledge and Skills and the first two editions of Social Work With Groups, all published by Columbia University Press.
Roselle Kurkland is professor in the School of Social Work at Hunter College.
