Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Human Behavior in a Just World: Reaching for Common Ground

This dynamic text on human behavior takes a unique international perspective to introduce students to the concepts of large social systems and development. Social workers now practice in an increasingly global context for reasons ranging from migration to international adoptions to developments in technology. Understanding these global connections is essential to social workers today. Human Behavior in a Just World emphasizes the "common human condition" between people, and encourages students to see the powerful connections between environmental conditions and behavior. The authors address key elements of human behavior through a global lens, and discuss powerful global policy instruments and resources, such as the United Nations. Engaging North American and global case studies illustrate the theories in practice. Review [Human Behavior in a Just World] was both a joy to read and added considerably to my own appreciation of the rich cultural contribution that can be made by social workers and the social work profession to social development, indeed to human development more broadly, the world over. The authors are to be commended for their dedication in putting together such a far-reaching conceptual volume--one which, at the same time, is packed with rich examples of international practice in both the local and global contexts that many students and teachers will find highly useful.--University of Pennsylvania, Richard J. Estes, University of Pennsylvania In this important book, Link and Ramanathan discuss the skills, values and knowledge that social workers need to fulfill their role as global citizens. It makes a major contribution and deserves to be widely read.--James Midgley, University of California, Berkeley Link and Ramanathan's book will be welcomed for its global perspective on human behavior. The authors' diverse practice experiences shine through in numerous case examples and in their skillful balancing of the concepts of the common human condition and cultural competence.--Lynne M. Healy, PhD, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, University of Connecticut School of Social Work Human Behavior in a Just World makes an invaluable contribution to social work knowledge and practice. By focusing on "the common human condition," Link and Ramanathan redirect social work's attention away from its decades-long drift toward an increasingly bifurcated and dichotomized understanding of human behavior. The authors make a compelling case for understanding how the interrelated and interdependent reality of material and social connections influence human behavior, and illustrate how adopting this frame of reference enhances the very nature of social practice.--Gregory Acevedo, Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service This beautifully written text by authors with a wealth of international, networking experiences will help students develop an appreciation for how much we can learn from other countries.--Katherine van Wormer, professor of social work, University of Iowa About the Author Rosemary J. Link is associate vice president of academic affairs, Simpson College, Iowa. She previously served as professor of social work and dean of graduate studies at Augsburg College. Chathapuram S. Ramanathan has worked and taught in the human service area for over three decades and currently heads up the consulting company Human Service Enterprises.