Inclusive Group Work

Book excerpt: Inclusive Group Work offers an innovative approach to working with intervention groups and task groups by redefining the concept of diversity and reframing core group work concepts. Appropriate for both undergraduate and graduate courses, this book introduces readers to the foundations of group practice with an emphasis on social justice. The book presents diversity as a relational concept that is at the heart of all group interactions. Individual identity is complex, and in order for all members to be treated equally their individuality must be accepted and respected. Using this framework, the book discusses the values and ethics of social work with groups, explores the stages of group work including planning, and presents both basic and advanced skills such as conflict resolution and the use of self. Theories are put into practice in three chapters of case studies that show in-detail how diversity can be employed as a strength in multiple settings to achieve the wide variety of goals groups pursue. Through this new approach, students and practitioners alike will learn how to harness diversity to engage and maintain participation in inclusive group processes.