Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work, 2/e is the first HSBE text to approach the subject from a comparative theory perspective, providing coverage of the most current and contemporary theories as well as traditional theories.

A consistent framework for analysis is provided for all of the theoretical systems that are covered. This text encourages students to develop critical thinking skills in analyzing and comparing theories, and includes contemporary developments in traditional lifespan theory, theories of political economy, and a separate chapter on transpersonal theory (Ch. 12). Each chapter includes coverage of the research that supports a particular theory, an analysis of the validity of that research, and a discussion of updated "Contemporary Issues."

Features

• Takes a comparative theory approach, with coverage of both historical and contemporary perspectives on each theory.
• Provides a consistent framework for analysis of all theories in every chapter.
• Utilizes unique flowcharts to provide visual demonstrations of how theory is applied to practice.
• Includes coverage of oppression, social justice and spirituality.
• Provides an extended case example in Chapter 13, to illustrate how the various theories can be applied to a single case.
• Presents research supporting each theory, along with philosophical and methodological assumptions and an analysis of whether the theory is supported by the research.

New To This Edition

• New features to the Second Edition include updated content in all chapters, as well as new content on:
• Ecofeminism
• Neurobiology, neurotransmission and behavior
• Feminist Standpoint Theory
• Theories of bisexual and transgender identity development
• The role of shame in women's development
• Ethnic/cultural identity development and cultural competence
• New theoretical content added to the textbook represents the most contemporary and cutting edge content in theory that is not usually found in other human behavior or theory textbooks.

1. The Nature of Theories.

Organization of the Book and Rationale for Selection of Theories.
Why Study Theories of Human Behavior?
Theories: What Are They?
The Social Construction of Theories.
Ideology, Scientific Theory, and Social Work Practice.
Determinism and Reductionism: A Problem of Social Construction.
Theories: Application to Practice.
Critical Analysis of Theory: The Missing Dimension.

2. Systems Theory.

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
Structural Functionalism.
The Ecological Perspective.
Dynamic Systems Theory.
Deep Ecology.
Ecofeminism.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

3. Conflict Theories.

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
Class Conflict.
Roads from Marx.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

4. Theories of Empowerment .

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
Stratification, Oppression, and Inequality:
The Sociopolitical Context of Empowerment Theories.
Feminist Theory.
Feminist Standpoint Theory.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Gay Transgender Empowerment Theories.
Social Work Empowerment Theories.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

5. Theories of Assimilation, Acculturation, and Bicultural Socialization and Ethnic Minority Identity.

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
Deficiency Theory.
The Dual Perspective.
Bicultural Socialization.
Ethnic Racial/Cultural and Minority Identity.
A Multidimensional Transactional Model of Bicultural Identity.
Transculturality.
Cultural Competence.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

6. Psychodynamic Theory.

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
Sigmund Freud: Psychoanalysis.
Roads from Freud.
The Freudian Mainstream.
The Freudian Left.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

7. Theories of Life Span Development.

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
Theoretical Knowledge about Physical Development.
Theoretical Knowledge about Neurobiology and Neurotransmission.
Theories of Psychosocial Development: The Life Span Approach.
Roads from Erikson.
Theories of Midlife Development.
Life Span Development and Late Adulthood.
Life Span Development of Women.
Shame Resilience Theory.
Gay, and Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Development.
Stage Theories: Popularity versus Validity.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

8. Theories of Cognitive and Moral Development.

Historical Context.
Cognitive Development.
Moral Development.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

9. Symbolic Interaction.

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
The Chicago School and Early Interactionism.
Roads from Mead.
Role Theory, Reference Groups, and Socialization through the Life Cycle.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

10. Phenomenology, Social Constructionism, and Hermeneutics.

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
Roads from Schutz.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

11. Behaviorism, Social Learning, and Exchange Theory.

Behaviorism.
Social Learning Theory.
Exchange Theory.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

12. Transpersonal Theory.

Historical Context.
Key Concepts.
Transpersonal Theories.
Contemporary Issues.
Application to Social Work Practice.
Critical Analysis.
Consistency with Social Work Values and Ethics.
Philosophical Underpinnings.
Methodological Issues and Empirical Support.

13. Application of Theories.

Alternative Approaches to Theory Selection.
"Measuring Up" to the Themes for Critical Reflection on Theories.
Person-Focused Theories.
Environment-Focused Theories.
Eleven Great Ideas.
An Example of Integrating Theories for a Practice Issue.
Roads from Here: Future Possibilities and Challenges for Innovation in Human Behavior Theory.

References.
Discography.
Author Index.
Subject Index.