Later editions include:
Payne shows how these newer theories respond to critiques of grand narratives and emphasise service user voice, diversity, and local knowledge.
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“Reseña a: Payne, M. (2014). Teorías contemporáneas del trabajo social. Paidós. Por J. Hernández-Aragón, en Trabajo Social Global, 5(9), 215-218.” Later editions include:
Malcolm Payne’s Teorías contemporáneas del trabajo social (originally Modern Social Work Theory) is a cornerstone text in social work education and practice. It systematically presents, critiques, and connects the major theoretical frameworks that inform social work today. Payne is renowned for his clear, critical, and practice‑oriented approach, making complex ideas accessible to students, practitioners, and educators.
Payne introduces the nature of theory, its uses in practice, and debates about how practitioners actually apply theory. He emphasises that theory is not just academic—it directly influences decision‑making, ethical positions, and relationships with service users. Payne shows how these newer theories respond to
The central thesis of Payne’s work is that Social Work is not a monolithic entity. Instead, he categorizes the purpose and practice of the profession into three distinct, and sometimes conflicting, "perspectives." This tripartite framework is the backbone of the book and is essential for understanding the motivations behind different social work interventions.
1. The Therapeutic Perspective (Individual Reform) This perspective views social work primarily as a process of helping individuals resolve their personal and interpersonal problems. It focuses on "social casework," counseling, and psychotherapy. Payne argues that this perspective aligns social work with health and mental health professions. While dominant historically, Payne critiques its tendency to locate problems within the individual rather than in the social environment.
2. The Socialist Perspective (Social Transformation) Rooted in Marxist and structural analysis, this perspective argues that social work’s primary goal should be social change and the redistribution of power. It views social problems as the result of an unequal capitalist system. Here, the social worker acts as an agent of change, engaging in community organization and advocacy to challenge structural oppression, rather than merely helping individuals adapt to a broken system.
3. The Individualist-Reformist Perspective (The Middle Ground) Payne identifies this as the "standard" model of social work in many Western democracies. It aims to balance the two previous extremes. It seeks to reform society gradually while providing practical assistance to individuals to help them function within existing structures. The goal is social welfare—ensuring people have access to resources and opportunities, acting as a "conscience" of the state.