Close to Home

Close to Home

Human Services and the Small Community

Emilia E. Martinez-Brawley

ISBN: 0-87101-312-6, 2000 (#3126), 321 pages, $38.99


Peppered with scores of evocative stories drawn from the media, fiction, and nonfiction, Close to Home delves into theories essential for understanding the myriad complexities of small-town America.

This book unveils the strengths found in settings outside the large, anonymous metropolis and demonstrates how the human services professional can tap into these powerful forces. Focused on the sociocultural distinctions of these locales, the book explores their way of life, patterns of relationships, and the importance of shared history.

Special Features

  • Explores the definition of the small community
  • Uses real-life encounters and examples from the media and literature to address the social reality of the small community
  • Focuses on the psychological and cultural elements of community that provide a sense of belonging and well-being
  • Analyzes the distribution of power, influence, and leadership in small-community settings
  • Delves into the tensions between small-town professionals and community residents from a philosophical as well as historical standpoint
  • Provides a comprehensive theoretical base for understanding the different approaches required for success in social work practice within the small-community context

Copyright © 1997-2008 NASW Press
1-800-227-3590