Making Groups Work

Most of us work in them, most of us live in them. Some are complex, some are simple. Some meet only once while others last for decades. Whatever form they take, groups are central to our lives. Making Groups Work offers a comprehensive introduction to the key issues in group work. It outlines the role of groups and the history of group work, discusses group politics, and shows how groups can help promote social change. Detailed case studies are used to make the crucial link between theory and practice. The authors also offer strategies for making groups work effectively. Making Groups Work is essential reading for social workers, health workers, counsellors, community workers, youth workers, trainers and anyone else interested in working with groups. It is also a good introductory text for students and a handy reference for professionals.

Joan Benjamin teaches in Criminal Justice and Youth Studies at RMIT; Judith Bessant teaches in Sociology and Youth Studies at the Australian Catholic University, Melbourne; Rob Watts teaches in Social Science and Social Work at RMIT.

Acknowledgements I INTRODUCTION Introduction: Setting the agenda for groups and group work 1 Group work in Australia: The question of agency II PERSPECTIVES 2 The history of working with groups 3 Working with groups: Remedial and reciprocal perspectives 4 The social goals perspective for working with groups III DOING IT 5 How groups work: The life cycle of groups 6 Working with groups: Structured exercises and experiential learning 7 Working with groups and the role of the facilitator 8 Working with groups in community work and social movements Glossary Bibliography Index