Self Realization Publications: Social Work: Edited by King E. Davis and Tricia B. Bent-Goodley This painstakingly well-documented text researches multiple centuries of social policies aimed at the control of people of color in the United States from the earliest years of the republic to the present day. Beginning with the U.S. colonial period, three chapters provide the historical context for understanding the nature of early decision-making processes that have created a racially divided country. These historical analyses of national and state legislation, executive orders, and court decisions trace the clear link between past and present social policies, as they inform social workers engaged in contemporary efforts toward more equitable social policies. Speaking to fundamental policy matters confronting all human service professions, nine contributing authors discuss specific dimensions of social policy formation wherein race is clearly identified as a key component for evaluating the underlying political motivations and the subsequent effects of policies on individuals of color. The chapters draw out common points of concern connecting people of color through carefully researched analyses of important social issues in health and mental health care, child welfare, domestic violence, juvenile and criminal justice, social security, and welfare reform. Contributing authors put forth a plan of action to bring social work practitioners and educators into a collective mode of action for change at the level of policy advocacy and development. The authors share a common goal to eradicate the barriers to a democratic society by demonstrating through empirical analysis the undermining effects of discrimination on democratic values and institutions. Included are a multitude of cases in point to educate students across diverse backgrounds how the formation, implementation, and proliferation of discriminatory social policies is their responsibility to address through knowledge, unity of purpose, and collective action.

The Color of Social Policy
Edited by King E. Davis and Tricia B. Bent-Goodley

This painstakingly well-documented text researches multiple centuries of social policies aimed at the control of people of color in the United States from the earliest years of the republic to the present day. Beginning with the U.S. colonial period, three chapters provide the historical context for understanding the nature of early decision-making processes that have created a racially divided country. These historical analyses of national and state legislation, executive orders, and court decisions trace the clear link between past and present social policies, as they inform social workers engaged in contemporary efforts toward more equitable social policies.

Speaking to fundamental policy matters confronting all human service professions, nine contributing authors discuss specific dimensions of social policy formation wherein race is clearly identified as a key component for evaluating the underlying political motivations and the subsequent effects of policies on individuals of color. The chapters draw out common points of concern connecting people of color through carefully researched analyses of important social issues in health and mental health care, child welfare, domestic violence, juvenile and criminal justice, social security, and welfare reform. Contributing authors put forth a plan of action to bring social work practitioners and educators into a collective mode of action for change at the level of policy advocacy and development.

The authors share a common goal to eradicate the barriers to a democratic society by demonstrating through empirical analysis the undermining effects of discrimination on democratic values and institutions. Included are a multitude of cases in point to educate students across diverse backgrounds how the formation, implementation, and proliferation of discriminatory social policies is their responsibility to address through knowledge, unity of purpose, and collective action.

“For those of us in the helping professions, The Color of Social Policy is a call to action. In order to advance the plight of people of color, we must advance social policy in this country.”
David Satcher
Director, National Center for Primary Care
Former U.S. surgeon general and assistant secretary for health

“The Color of Social Policy provides an excellent and much needed perspective on the critical issue of social policy and its impact on the quality of life for people of color in this country. By providing a historical perspective, King Davis, Tricia Bent-Goodley, and their colleagues lay the foundation for understanding the current political climate that influences how decisions are made and who has the power to make them. This book will help others gain insight into how social policies must be changed to ensure that all individuals have an opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives.”
D. J. Ida
Executive director, National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association

ORDER CODE: CWS200B
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