Rural Social Work in the 21st Century: Serving Individuals, Families, and Communities in the Countryside

by Michael Daley

Overview

Despite current population movement towards urban areas, rural people remain a significant yet under-served population. These communities share a rich and distinctive culture, but also face specific problems including higher rates of poverty, increased rates of obesity, and decreased access to health coverage and social services. Rural Social Work in the 21st Century, Second Edition provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and issues central to the practice of social work in small towns and rural communities. The updated second edition features a new chapter on social, economic, and environmental justice. An expanded history chapter presents new information on the use of poor farms to serve dependent rural people in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Later chapters discuss rural social services, a model for rural social work practice, and ethical practice. The final chapters focus on the practice of rural social work and challenges for the future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190937690
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/01/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	739,619
File size:	9 MB

About the Author

Michael R. Daley, PhD, LMSW-AP, ACSW, Chair&Professor, Department of Social Work Texas A&M University-Central Texas; Editor-in Chief, Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work. He is a past president of both the National Rural Social Work Caucus and the Association of Social Work Baccalaureate Program Directors (BPD).

Table of Contents

Preface 1. Rural Communities and Social Work: An Introduction Why Rural Social Work? What Is Rural? Is Rurality Confined to Small Towns and Communities? What Is Unique About Rural Social Work? Rewards and Challenges of Rural Social Work Conclusion 2. Rural Culture and Behavior Rural Values Microsystems Mezzosystems Macrosystems Change in the 21st Century Conclusion 3. Diversity in Rural Communities Rural Diversity African Americans Hispanics Native Americans Sexual Orientation: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Senior Citizens Conclusion 4. Rural Social Welfare Policy Social Welfare Policy Social Policy and Rural People Effects of Social Policy on Rural Communities Identifying and Addressing Disparity in Rural Policy Conclusion 5. Social Welfare Services in Rural Communities Mental Health and Substance Abuse Rural Health Care Services Child Welfare Domestic Violence Services for Veterans Services for Immigrants Conclusion 6. History and Development of Rural Social Work Origins of the Rural Myth Industrialization and the Rise of Social Work Serving the Dependent in Smaller Towns and Rural Areas in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries Country Lifers and the Early Concerns About Rural Communities: 1900-1920 The Growth of Rural Social Work Practice and the Great Depression: The 1920s and 1930s Retreat from Rural Assistance: The 1940s and 1950s The Renaissance of Rural Social Work: The 1960s and 1970s Continued Growth: The 1980s and 1990s The 21st Century Reconnecting with the Past: Rural Social Work Then and Now Conclusion 7. A Model for Rural Social Work Rurality and the Practice of Social Work in Small Communities Rural Social Work: Is It Different from Urban Practice? Generalist Social Work Versus Community-Based Practice Rural Strengths and Assets Rural Relationships and Social Work Practice A Model for Rural Social Work Down-Home Model of Social Work Applying the Down-Home Model Advanced Rural Practice Conclusion 8. Ethical Rural Practice The Rural Fishbowl as a Context for Ethical Practice Social Work Ethics and Ethical Decision-Making Dual Relationships Confidentiality Competency and Adequacy of Practice Personal and Professional Identity Relationships with Colleagues Ethical Rural Practice Conclusion 9. Rural Social Work Practice The Person-in-Environment Perspective The Strengths Perspective Generalist Practice and Social Systems Problem-Solving Characteristics of Rural Social Workers Conclusion 10. Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice for Rural Communities Social Justice and Rural Communities Economic Justice for Rural Areas Environmental Justice for Rural Communities What to Do? Addressing Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice for Rural Communities Conclusion 11. Challenges for the Future Rural Communities: Perception, Reality, and Demands of the 21st Century Rural People and Change for the 21st Century Social Work in Rural Practice Conclusion Index

Editorial Reviews

"The book is an inspiring reflective, strength-based and contemporary examination of social work practice with people living in rural communities and with rural lifestyles. It conveys and captures the essential intersectionality of diversity, knowledge, values and skills for working with this population. Moreover, it enhances the consciousness of readers in understanding the true character of rural people and their lifestyles." — Freddie L. Avant, Stephen F. Austin State University

"Dr. Daley has scored a hat trick. His Rural Social Work expands the knowledge base, offers useful practice tips, and paints invaluable pictures of rural life and culture. But he had me when he quoted Hazel Dickens!" — Sam Hickman, NASW West Virginia

"Once again, Michael offers a comprehensive overview of rural social work practice within the United States. This edition adds a much needed chapter on social, economic, and environmental justice given the often disproportionate injustices experienced within rural communities. A must read for any social work practitioner working in, researching about, or teaching on content related to rural communities." — Karen Rice, Millersville University

From the Publisher