Inequality has moved to the forefront of contemporary policy and practice debates in social work. This book will help you understand how structural inequalities in society contribute to the challenges faced by individuals, families and communities.

Whether you′re a student, practitioner, or academic, this book will help you think critically about the skills and knowledge needed to provide meaningful help to those most in need.

Key topics include:

What is inequality and why it is so important for social work Social inequalities in relation to class, poverty, gender, race and ethnicity, (dis)ability, age and sexuality Health and welfare inequalities, such as disparities in life expectancy and serious illness Global inequalities, such as the legacy of colonialism and wealth gaps between countries The role of social policy, including the welfare state Anti-discriminatory practice and radical social work Community-based approaches.

Rick Hood is a registered social worker and Professor of Social Work at Kingston University.