Now in its fifth edition, this international best-selling textbook is a classic in its field. Written by one of the leading names in social work, it provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the main practice theories that will act as a companion for students throughout their course and their career as a practitioner. In this substantially reworked and updated edition of his best-selling text, Malcolm Payne presents clear and concise evaluations of the pros and cons of major theories that inform social work practice, and comparisons between them. This is the ideal text for theory, methods and practice modules on qualifying social work courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well qualified social work practitioners taking post-qualifying and CPD courses. New to this Edition: - Theory chapters divided up based on the three objectives in the IASSW/ISFW global definition of social work - New content on whiteness theory, post-colonial approaches and critiques of multicultural and anti-racist theories - Full treatment of Relational Practice and Attachment Practice in separate chapters - More space given to Green social work and environmental approachesPART 1: Thinking about social work theory 1 The social construction of social work theory 2 Evaluating social work theory 3 Connecting theory and practice PART 2: Reviewing social cohesion theories 4 Psychodynamic relational practice 5 Psychodynamic attachment practice 6 Crisis and task-centred practice 7 Cognitive-behavioural practice 8 Motivational interviewing 9 Systems, complexity and chaos PART 3: Reviewing empowerment theories 10 Macro practice, social development and social pedagogy 11 Social construction practice: strengths and solutions 12 Social construction practice: narrative practice 13 Humanistic practice, existentialism and spirituality 14 Social justice, advocacy and empowerment PART 4: Reviewing social change theories 15 Critical practice 16 Eco practice 17 Feminist practice 18 Anti-oppressive, Indigenous and multicultural sensitivity practice.Malcolm Payne is a writer, academic and consultant on social work, social care management and multiprofessional teamwork. Currently Policy and Development Adviser at St Christopher's Hospice, London, he was previously Director of Psychosocial and Spiritual Care at the Hospice. He has held academic posts at the University of Bristol, UK, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK and Opole University, Poland. He has honorary appointments at the Department of Social Policy, Helsinki University, Finland and the School of Social Care Sciences, Kingston University, UK.