Economics for Social Workers:
The Application of Economic Theory to Social Policy and the Human Services
is designed to provide a working knowledge of economics with clarity and
attention to the particular concerns of the social work profession.
This primer for social work students introduces the general definitions
and concepts of economic theory and uses case studies in social work to
develop applied understanding. The case studies include stories of job
training, substance abuse centers, counseling, therapy, child protective
services, and services for the poor. The concluding chapters are devoted
to topics directly related to social work: economics of poverty, health
economics, household economics, the economics of labor, and government
fiscal policy. The dominance of economics in social policy debates means
that advocates of policies must demonstrate at least a basic understanding
of the economic aspects of their proposals if they want to be considered
credible participants. Economics for Social Workers is a unique resource
that effectively meets this need.
Michael Lewis is assistant professor of Social Welfare at SUNY-Stony
Brook.
Karl Widerquist is the staff economist of the Educational Priorities
Panel in New York City.
Printed in the U.S.A.
0-231-11686-1 cloth
0-231-11687-X paperback
Columbia University Press / New York
www.columbia.edu/cu/cup
It is available on line from both Amazon
and Barnes
and Nobles.