Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Macro Level

Book excerpt: Each person is a unique individual, yet we all are also defined by groups - those we belong to and those we are excluded from, voluntarily or involuntarily. In the second half of the Human Behavior and the Social Environment sequence, Katherine van Wormer, Fred Besthorn, and Thomas Keefe take a stimulating new approach to exploring this macro view of humanity and demonstrating how each component of society, from the single person to the sprawling organization, is part of a dynamic whole. Their collaboration has produced a remarkable volume that will help students recognize and consider interactions between and among individuals and social systems, and thereby develop into truly effective social workers. *Outlines theoretical concepts and practice implications in each chapter *Highlights the importance of the natural environment and ecology - the "community of the earth" - to human and group behavior *Sets forth a refined understanding of the role of spirituality - the "community of faith" - in people's lives *Focuses on evidence-based theory and research *Teaches from a global, cross-cultural perspective, highlighting themes of empowerment and social justice *Features dynamic readings and personal narratives that highlight each chapter's topic *Accompanied by an online instructor's manual with Power Points for lecture presentations, chapter summaries, key terms, suggested classroom activities, and a test bank with essay and multiple choice questions Also available is a companion volume, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Micro Level, which offers an eye-opening view of how biological, psychological, and cultural forces influence individuals' behavior.