An up-to-date and thorough investigation of progressive social work theory

This fully updated edition explores the shortcomings of welfare capitalism and reveals how conventional social work fails to respond to systemic social problems. By presenting a coherent theory of progressive social work with oppression as its focus, this text shows how students can incorporate a radical alternative to conventional social work within their own practice.

Bob Mullaly's profile page

Marilyn Dupré's profile page

Bob Mullaly is senior scholar and former dean in the Faculty of Social Work at University of Manitoba. Previously, he taught in the Department of Social Work at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, and in the social work program that he founded at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He has co-authored the recent third edition of Challenging Oppression and Confronting Privilege with Juliana West (OUP Canada, 2018).

Marilyn Dupré is assistant professor and director of the School of Social Work at St. Thomas University. She has previously taught in social work departments at Carleton University and University of Manitoba. Marilyn has published articles in Social Work Education, and her research interests include structural social work theory and practice, critical anti-oppressive theory and practice, and critical disability studies and social work education. In addition to her scholarship, she has a long history of in-service social work practice, including four years as the child welfare program manager for the Government of New Brunswick.

"A necessary and timely book that engages students in critical inquiry about Canadian and global economic and political systems, societies, governments, and the social work profession." --Susan Hillock, Trent University

"This is an excellent resource for theory and the application of principles of structural social work. The book clearly explains theory and then goes on to demonstrate how it can be applied in real-life practical contexts." --Anne Wagner, Nipissing University