The traditional and alternative paradigm framework offers an organized structure for students to understand the relationship of theories of human behavior and the social environment used in social work practice to critical concerns of the social work profession. Content is correlated with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competencies. NEW: A new organization and format clearly and consistently addresses each theory, perspective, and practice model. Each theory is presented by addressing its background or history, its definition, the components that make up the theory, and examples of criticism of the theory. NEW: New content on technology and its powerful impact on both social work and individuals keeps students up to date on emerging societal and digital trends. (See Chapter 1, Social Work in a Digital World: A New Paradigm? ; Chapter 2, Technology and Paradigms ; Chapter 7, Technology and Identity Development ; Chapter 8, Technology and Families; Chapter 9, Technology and Groups in Social Work ; Chapter 10, Technology and Organizations ; Chapter 11, Virtual Community ; and Chapter 12, Technology and International Social Work .) UPDATED: Critical-thinking questions throughout each chapter challenge students to apply critical-thinking skills to specific content and issues. Extensive new content on and illustrations of critical thinking are included in Chapter 1.

Critical thinking is a particular focus of Chapter 3 with significant attention to tools for "Thinking about Thinking." NEW: Neuroscience is the focus of a new chapter (Chapter 6). It presents efforts to develop evidence-based interventions that address the complex interplay of brain development and the experience of trauma. Additional neuroscience content is integrated throughout the book. The point-of-view of vulnerable and marginalized populations is highlighted in non-traditional theories and conceptual frameworks. NEW: Identity, diversity, and development issues are explored in a new chapter (Chapter 7) devoted to identity development, human diversity, and oppression in the context of our developing personal and social identities. NEW: Queer theory and critical Whiteness studies are addressed in new content in Chapter 2. UPDATED: Theories and evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions are more closely connected.

EBP is presented in detail in Chapter 3 and trauma theory and trauma-informed social work practice are presented in Chapters 6 and 8. UPDATED: Current events from a social work perspective are included throughout the book. NEW: Environmental social work is addressed in Chapter 12 to keep readers up to date on this rapidly expanding area or practice. Visual elements help students retain information and compare concepts. UPDATED: More examples and illustrations of the use of theories, perspectives, and practice models in social work practice are presented throughout the book. A matrix helps students compare theories, perspectives, and practice models presented in the chapter for their inclusion of elements of traditional and alternative paradigm dimensions. (See Chapters 3--12.).