Book Review: Political Social Work Practice: Translating Social Work Skills for Political Participation

Tianca Crocker

doi:10.1921/jpts20262672

Authors

Tianca Crocker UNC Charlotte https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0299-6716

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts20262672

Keywords:

Book review, advocacy, advanced generalist social work

Abstract

Political Social Work Practice (Young, 2024) offers an accessible introduction to political engagement for social work students and educators navigating a period of retreat from diversity-related content in U.S. higher education. The text links direct practice skills to macro-level advocacy through systems theory, competency-based activities, and field education applications aligned with the 2022 CSWE standards. While the book provides practical tools for integrating political social work into coursework, its limited attention to political disenfranchisement, equitable civic participation, and government budgeting constrains its usefulness in the current policy climate. Overall, Young’s work serves as a timely supplementary resource that encourages emerging practitioners to view political practice as an essential dimension of social work.

References

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