Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Using systems theoretical framework, this text incorporates human development and behavior theories and knowledge within the context of family, organizational, and community systems, and examines the impact of social and economic forces on individuals and social systems. Consistent with the curriculum policy statements of the CSWE, content on social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice and populations-at-risk is also included. Relating theory and knowledge to practice skills, examples, and applications, the material is relevant, interesting, and provides students with a sound base on which to build assessment skills. New material covers: Hispanic women and community development; religion and spirituality; cultural biases and IQ tests; ethnic and cultural differences in families and schools; sexual harassment cases plaguing high places (i.e. Packwood, Clinton, and Greene); the Africentric perspective; and homosexuality statistics.