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Human Behavior and the Larger Social Environment

Context for Social Work Practice and Advocacy

Fourth Edition

Miriam McNown Johnson

Available: June 2022

ISBN: 9780197575574

Online Resource

Retail Price to Students: $0.01

A clear and concise--yet comprehensive--introduction to human behavior in the social environment

Description

From schools to the workplace and from class structure to cultural diversity--all individuals function within complex social systems that shape them and are, in turn, shaped by them. This text introduces students to these broader social contexts within which human behavior occurs and how a community's physical and social settings may promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving personal health and well-being. Johnson uses seven basic theoretical perspectives as the frameworks to explore how clients are impacted by social institutions and social structures.

Keeping up to date with emerging societal trends and changing environmental contexts is important and Human Behavior and the Larger Social Environment provides readers with the tools necessary to use their knowledge to provide appropriate interventions at all levels of practice, as well as promote social and economic justice. This book offers complex concepts in a simple format, allowing students to analyze the relationship between individuals and various systems, and better retain and apply their knowledge as they prepare to engage with clients and client systems.

New to this Edition

  • Enhanced pedagogical devices with more distinctive font, and graphics
  • Includes updated policies and events since 2013
  • Discussions on physical environment and spirituality
  • Expansion of discussion of theories and application to macro settings, and adding more diverse theories and perspectives (critical race theory, intersectional feminism, etc.)
  • Discussion of social media bias and fake news, including more prominent issues during this administration re: the pandemic and the BLM protests in response to the death of George Floyd, etc.
  • Expanded global coverage - showing impact US has had on the world and vice versa

Features

  • Provides readers with the tools necessary to use their knowledge to provide appropriate interventions at all levels of practice, as well as promote social and economic justice.
  • Offers complex concepts in a simple format, allowing students to analyze the relationship between individuals and various systems, and better retain and apply their knowledge as they prepare to engage with clients and client systems

About the Author(s)

Miriam McNown Johnson (MS in Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin Madison; MSW, PhD, University of Alabama), is Professor Emerita for Academic and Student Affairs at the College of Social Work, University of South Carolina.

Reviews

"This is an excellent textbook. One strength is that it is very simple to understand. The language used is not too 'academic' and the concepts are explained in a concise clear way. This is very important because it is used in one of the first social work courses students take. The simplicity not only helps students gain a solid foundation with respect to the content, but it also helps to build their confidence with respect to entry into the profession. A second strength is that the chapter topics are spot on with what we need for students to learn about. A third strength is that the topics are organized in a logical way. Great book!" -- Amy Peters, Assistant Director & Senior Lecturer, School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

"Human Behavior and the Larger Social Environment is an excellent textbook. The topics cover all topics that are taught in the Human Behavior and the Social Environment III course; and there is no coverage I would add, delete, or move. The material covered and the design of each lesson has been carefully spelled out in detail. It provides organized units of work, all of the plans and lessons needed to cover all topics in some detail, and a balanced, chronological presentation of information. It offers a detailed sequence of materials and information and there are no surprises--everything is carefully spelled out. The textbook provide instructors with a complete program based on the latest research, knowledge, etc. Overall, this is an excellent textbook." -- Derrick Freeman, Southern University at New Orleans

"The overall quality is very high. The text reaches many levels of human behavior in the social environment and really expands on the society and organizations in great detail. The strength of the book overall is that it has key concepts on a deeper level. Parts II and III really add another dimension to the understanding of human behavior. The key concepts in those parts put this book to another educational level."-- Sarah Kurker, Faculty Instructor, School of Social Work, Arizona State University

Table of Contents

    Preface to the Fourth Edition

    PART I. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

    Chapter 1. Introduction to Perspectives and Theories

    PART II. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

    Chapter 2. The Political Economy
    Chapter 3. Government-Supported Social Institutions
    Chapter 4. Other Social Institutions

    PART III. SOCIAL STRUCTURE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY

    Chapter 5. Social and Economic Stratification
    Chapter 6. American Society and Cultural Diversity
    Chapter 7. Other Social Status Groups

    PART IV. LOCATIONAL AND IDENTIFICATIONAL COMMUNITIES

    Chapter 8. Communities, Neighborhoods, and the Physical Environment
    Chapter 9. Collective Action and Social Change

    FINAL THOUGHTS
    Index

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