Human Behavior in the Social Environment

"Human Behavior and the Social Environment: A Macro, National, and International Perspective" is a textbook for one of the primary courses in the social work curriculum titled Human Behavior in the Social Environment. The course is offered usually over two semesters, with one focusing on micro issues (how the individual develops in relation to their social environment on an individual, family, and group level). The second section of the course typically focuses on macro issues pertaining to how an individual is shaped by their social environment by macro issues including social institutions, community, and the government. This book is intended for the second sequence of the course. It takes a unique approach by incorporating international issues of globalization, which has been an emerging issue in social work. Although it takes this unique perspective, it still covers the basics of macro social work on a national level. Other important areas that are not well represented in competing texts includes coverage of rural issues, the impact of hurricane Katrina on social and community resources, human rights and social justice, the increasing impact of increasing rates of incarceration, and a special section focusing on crisis theory. This book has a number of key selling points. They include a broad national and international perspective, and a timely approach that examines issues such as rural communities, the impact of disaster on communities, and increasing incarceration rates. It provides special emphasis on human needs and social justice; and contains end of chapter discussion questions, a student glossary, chapter opening photos, and an appendix that includes three additional higher level macro theories which would make the book applicable to Master's level program. This book will also contain a number of features that are essential for any book to be adopted in a HBSE course. They also include: end of chapter discussion questions; instructor's manual featuring powerpoint slides and a test bank; and, student study site for recommended reading, chapter summaries, and flash cards.