Theorien für die Soziale Arbeit

The third, updated and expanded edition of this textbook begins by explaining the importance of theory for social work research and practice. Following a historical overview of theoretical developments, it presents key current approaches: systems theory, power and discourse analysis, psychoanalysis, lifeworld and life management perspectives, and feminist perspectives. Materialistic-dialectical concepts of critical social work and contributions from the capability approach are also considered. A systematic comparison of the approaches and an outlook on future theoretical developments round off the volume. A new chapter on sustainability and socio-ecological transformation has been added.
With contributions by
Maria Bitzan | Margret Dörr | Cornelia Füssenhäuser | Fabian Kessl | Michael Klassen | Michael May | Arne Schäfer | Marcel Schmidt | Silvia Staub-Bernasconi | Michael Winkler | Holger Ziegler

Dr. habil. Michael May was Professor of Theory and Methods of Social Work with a special focus on community work at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences from 1994 to 2024. He is a member of the Hessian Doctoral Centre for Social Work, where he served as spokesperson from 2017 to 2024.
Dr Arne Schäfer has been Professor of Education with a focus on social pedagogy at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Rhineland-Westphalia-Lippe since 2020.