ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the constitution of social work concepts, approaches and practices fit for new times: both the times that are new to us and for times that are new because of the order of social change. The way the book approach this is through exploring and expounding upon sociological social work. The book focuses on theoretical interpretations of contemporary social dynamics and change and empirical data about our shifting world. It argues for the inclusion of a sociological kaleidoscope as a legitimate form of practice. The influence of sociology on the ways in which social work is practiced is argued to provide practitioners, scholars and educators in social work with new way of working. The book uses Max Weber’s concept of the iron cage to make sense of neo-liberal ideals and the ways in which they thwart social work values and purpose.
