The Road Not Taken: A History of Radical Social Work in the United States - Tapa dura

"In this detailed and thoroughly researched book, Reisch and Andrews trace the history of social work from the perspective of social workers who were (and still are) committed to a radical approach...this book should be essential reading for social workers everywhere. By tracing the history of activist and 'left' social work, the authors make an original and important contribution to the literature. Social work educators who teach the history of social work ought to prescribe this book and ensure that students understand that the Charity Organization Society and the Settlements were not the only pioneers of the social work profession. The book's attempts to recognize the contribution of social work colleagues who, over the years, have thought of themselves as radical, is important and timely.." -"Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, Vol. 29 no. 4, December 2002 "This book is an interesting and significant contribution to social work history. Reisch and Andrews urge their contemporaries to gain courage from aspects of the profession's radical past and continue to translate the principles of social justice into specific policies because "the road not taken still lies ahead" (p.235).." -Kriste Lindenmeyer, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, American Historical Review "Reisch and Andrews cast fresh light on the neglected history of radical social work in the United States. They document the courage and persistance of radical social workers in prior eras and make an eloquent case for retaining, strengthening, and honoring a radical social work movement in coming decades." -Bruce S. Jansson, Ph.D., Professor, School of Social Work of the University of SouthernCalifornia ." . . the most inclusive overview and synthesis to date of radical social work and anti-radical repression of social work in the twentieth century. This is an invaluable study, chock full of historical knowledge and sure to spark debate among radical social workers and their opponents." -Robert Fisher, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Political Social Work, University of Houston "This important contribution to social welfare history tells the story of the paths we did not take - of how, by marginalizing and repressing some of the most innovative social welfare leaders, we shortchanged American social policy and created a safety net that could be easily shredded. It is essential reading for those who wish to repair the damage.." -Joel Blau, DSW, Director of Doctoral Program, School of Social Welfare, State University New York at Stonybrook

The Road Not Taken takes a new perspective on the course of social welfare policy in the twentieth century. This examination looks at the evolution of social work in the United States as a dynamic process not just driven by mainstream organizations and politics, but strongly influenced by the ideas and experiences of radical individuals and marginalized groups as well.