Practising Feminism in Social Welfare: Theory, Policy and Practice

There has been an explosion of interest in feminism in recent years. This book argues it is still necessary and has a vital role. Feminism’s core objectives – to address the persistent issue of women’s inequality and ongoing sexism, and to fight against women’s oppression and improve women’s lives – remain of central value across the world. As a result, how feminism contributes to and improves social welfare is overdue for re-examination.

This text explores what feminism means in theory, policy and practice as it is conceptualised and engaged within different social welfare contexts today. Beginning with an overview of feminist scholarship in the 21st century, it mainly comprises six substantive chapters that examine feminism from within a specific policy or practice setting. The topics discussed include globalisation and social justice, motherhood and reproductive rights, domestic violence, women’s experiences in criminal justice settings and working with older people. Practising Feminism for Social Welfare concludes with a framework for feminist policy and practice in the era of the fourth wave, whilst acknowledging that there can be no single or hegemonic feminism across all sites of social and political processes and in all social welfare settings.

Designed as an introduction to feminist practice for social policy and social work audiences, this volume will also speak to a range of academic disciplines, including sociology, criminology, politics, women’s studies, and gender and feminist studies.