Introduction

Abstract

The aim of this book is to integrate various strands of contemporary social theory in order to develop a critical framework for analysing social relations and the operation of power. Elements of this framework are then applied to examine specific aspects of practice within the human services and, in particular, to questions of how to bring about change in ways that empower those who experience distress, abuse or social exclusion. By bridging theory and practice, I seek to avoid the potential abstraction of ‘pure’ theorising, and the potential ineffectiveness of a practice that is unaware of the importance of power in influencing how human difficulties may arise and be resolved.