Transforming Society

'The authors thoughtfully address the challenges of social and economic development and issues faced by development workers, as well as the individuals, families and communities in which they work. The importance of this work cannot be underestimated, as it affects the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and societies. This book will be invaluable to social work and social development practitioners and educators alike.'- Professor Barbara Shank, President, International Consortium for Social Development

'The conference and this book provides "opportunities to learn from a broad spectrum of advanced, emerging and developing countries. While the countries are in very different circumstances, the core challenges that we face are fairly similar. The central challenge that both advanced and developing countries face is achieving inclusive growth. In many ways, the world is in a transition that is marked by the search for better and more sustainable models of inclusive growth.' -Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister, Singapore.

'The editors of this important new book are to be congratulated for compiling a collection of thought-provoking contributions by leading scholars in social welfare and social development. Ranging over diverse topics, they address some of the most critical issues in the field today. The book’s global perspective and focus on interventions that can address some of the world's most pressing problems is particularly noteworthy. The book will be a vital resource for scholars, students and practitioners everywhere.' - James Midgley, Harry and Riva Specht Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley

'We each face new challenges in our own societies, as well as new global challenges that affect all of us. But whatever we do in social policy, we can never lose sight of the social values and norms that make for an inclusive society in the fullest sense. Our whole approach must be to empower aspirations. Never leaving people to fend for themselves, but keeping a compact that both strengthens what we aspire to be collectively and encourages personal and family responsibility.' - Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, Singapore

'The authors thoughtfully address the challenges of social and economic development and issues faced by development workers, as well as the individuals, families and communities in which they work. The importance of this work cannot be underestimated, as it affects the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and societies. This book will be invaluable to social work and social development practitioners and educators alike.' - Professor BarbaraShank, President, International Consortium for Social Development

'The editors of this important new book are to be congratulated for compiling a collection of thought-provoking contributions by leading scholars in social welfare and social development. Ranging over diverse topics, they address some of the most critical issues in the field today. The book’s global perspective and focus on interventions that can address some of the world's most pressing problems is particularly noteworthy. The book will be a vital resource for scholars, students and practitioners everywhere.' - James Midgley, Harry and Riva Specht Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley