Social Work
Radical Challenges for Social Work Education
By Dr. R.K. Tripathi, Dr. Anvita Verma, Edited by Gabriel Roberts
Radical Challenges for Social Work Education explores the evolving demands placed on social work education in response to societal inequalities, structural oppression, and the shifting political landscape. The book calls for a transformative approach to teaching and learning that prioritizes critical thinking, anti-oppressive practice, and social justice. It critiques traditional models of social work education that often emphasize compliance with institutional norms over challenging systemic injustices. Instead, it encourages educators and students to engage with radical theories, including Marxism, feminism, critical race theory, and decolonial thought, to interrogate the roots of social problems and the limitations of mainstream practice. A key theme is the need to empower students to become agents of change, not just practitioners who adapt to systems but professionals who can challenge and transform them. The book emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and reflective practice as essential tools for building a critically informed social work workforce. It also addresses issues of curriculum design, power dynamics in the classroom, and the importance of inclusive pedagogy. In confronting the complex realities of poverty, racism, and inequality, Radical Challenges for Social Work Education advocates for a bold, justice-centered model of professional preparation. Radical Challenges for Social Work Education examines how social work education must evolve to address structural injustice, inequality, and the need for transformative, critical practice. Contents: 1. Social Work Education, 2. Social Work: Present Trend, 3. Council on Social Work Education, 4. Role of Field Teaching in Social Work, 5. Practice of Social Casework, 6. Professional Training for Social Work, 7. Learning in Social Work Education, 8. Community Perceptions in Social Work, 9. Challenges and Opportunities of Social Work, 10. Modern Social Work.
About the Authors
Dr. R.K. Tripathi is an accomplished academic and development professional, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Lucknow. With a strong foundation in social work, he has dedicated his career to both academia and the social development sector. His expertise spans community development and Child rights, and he actively contributes to research and knowledge dissemination in these areas. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Tripathi amassed extensive experience in the development (NGO) sector, working with national and international organizations such as Ipas Development Foundation, UNICEF, and UPVHA. In these roles, he served as a Consultant and Social Activist, spearheading initiatives in public health, education, and community empowerment. His work focused on designing and implementing programs that address pressing social issues, advocating for marginalized communities, and strengthening policy frameworks to create sustainable social change. Dr. Tripathi holds a postgraduate degree in Social Work and has earned the prestigious Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. His research interests include social justice, protection of child rights, and capacity building, and he has contributed to numerous publications, conferences, and academic forums. With his interdisciplinary approach and commitment to fostering societal well-being, Dr. Tripathi continues to inspire students and professionals alike in the field of social work. Dr. Anvita Verma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work, University of Lucknow and before it she has served seven years as Assistant Professor in Department of Humanities, SRMU, Lucknow with experience of teaching and research on various aspects of Sustainable Development and Environment. She is post graduate in Social Work with specialization in Health, M. Phill in Social work with research on Sanitation and Hygiene and Ph.D on Interweaving Aspects of Climate Change and Human Beings. She was awarded with four Gold Medals for her meritorious performance in Master of Social Work. She also has working experience with CEE North (Centre for Environment Education), Consultancy work in UPSAC (Uttar Pradesh AIDS Control Society).