Macro Social Work Practice
Working for Change in a Multicultural Society
(Second Edition)
©2026, 634 pages
Paperback list price: $117.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $92.95
You save $25 (21%)
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Macro Social Work Practice: Working for Change in a Multicultural Society addresses the nuances of macro social work within a framework that emphasizes cultural diversity and social change. It equips students with essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective practice in various settings, including social and human service agencies, healthcare organizations, communities, advocacy coalitions, and social movements, while centering on the relationship between institutional inequalities and the experiences of individuals and groups.
The book situates practice within the social context and includes case studies that demonstrate how social justice, empowerment, and cultural awareness are applied within different cultural contexts. It also examines the impact of demographic and cultural diversity on macro social work. It challenges students to engage with complex practical and ethical dilemmas through exercises aimed at enhancing the critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills they will require in their practice.
3 Key Updates to This Edition:
1. Covers the effects of recent policy changes on nonprofit organizations and on practice at the community and societal level.
2. Offers expanded content on the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in community and organizational practice, particularly in coalition work.
3. Presents additional content on the role of social media in macro social work practice.
The book is suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses in social work, family and community development, public health, nursing, and human services.
Explore the differences in the tables of contents between the first and second editions.
The book situates practice within the social context and includes case studies that demonstrate how social justice, empowerment, and cultural awareness are applied within different cultural contexts. It also examines the impact of demographic and cultural diversity on macro social work. It challenges students to engage with complex practical and ethical dilemmas through exercises aimed at enhancing the critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills they will require in their practice.
3 Key Updates to This Edition:
1. Covers the effects of recent policy changes on nonprofit organizations and on practice at the community and societal level.
2. Offers expanded content on the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in community and organizational practice, particularly in coalition work.
3. Presents additional content on the role of social media in macro social work practice.
The book is suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses in social work, family and community development, public health, nursing, and human services.
Explore the differences in the tables of contents between the first and second editions.
Michael Reisch is the Daniel Thursz Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Social Justice at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He has held leadership positions in national, state, and local advocacy, professional, political, and social change organizations and has testified before Congress and state legislatures. Dr. Reisch received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council on Social Work Education, the Career Achievement Award from the Association for Community Organization and Social Action, and teaching awards from the National Association of Social Workers and four major universities.
Other Cognella titles by Michael Reisch:Formats and Bulk Order Pricing for Confirmed Adoptions
Publisher Direct Versions — Available through the Cognella Student Store for confirmed adoptions |
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$92.95
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Publisher Direct Ebook | Publisher Direct ebooks are available in your Cognella account immediately after purchase and provide access for 180 days. Our ebooks run on VitalSource and RedShelf with perpetual/annual options available. |
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$105.95
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Publisher Direct Paperback | These special, discounted paperback editions are sold exclusively through the Cognella Student Store (store.cognella.com) for confirmed adoptions. They are not available through other retailers. The books are printed on demand, do not have an ISBN, and are not intended for resale, which results in savings we pass along to students. Most Publisher Direct Paperbacks also come with free, immediate access to the first 30% of the ebook and shipping included. |
Higher Education Bookstore Pricing — These suggested retail prices include a total projected mark-up of 25% |
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Inclusive Access Available!
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Ebook 979-8-8233-8767-5 |
We partner with VitalSource, Kortext, and RedShelf to provide day-one access to students through campus bookstores. Bookstores and these vendors share in the total projected mark-up. Learn more about Inclusive Access at cognella.com/inclusive-access. Contact us for details. |
| $117.95 | Paperback 979-8-8233-7025-7 |
Standard paperback version. Contact us for course adoptions; also available for individual purchase through national wholesalers and retailers — and from our website directly — see Purchase button above. |
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Other formats (perforated, hardcover, etc.) may be available. Contact us for course adoptions; specialty formats are not available for individual purchase. | |
Adopting instructors will receive test banks, PowerPoints, and a CSWE standards alignment grid.
Praise for the Previous Edition:
“I like the statement in the book that most practice takes place in community and organizational settings. This is probably one of the most succinct ways to synthesize the strong relationship between the different practice arenas in social work.”
David Okech, Associate Professor and Director of the Master’s in Social Work Program, University of Georgia
“This book is an excellent resource for understanding macro practice in a multicultural society.”
Bryan Warde, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Lehman College-CUNY
“A well written book that describes communities and organizations as systemic-action-arenas for macro social work practice in an increasingly changing diverse demographic landscape.”
Madhavappallil Thomas, Professor of Social Work, California State University, Bakersfield
“Michael Reisch brings his vast expertise, political acumen, and his burning desire to motivate to the creation of a macro-practice text that will inspire students and change the way that they think about social work practice.”
Mark Cameron, Professor of Social Work, Southern Connecticut State University
“The author has successfully identified the most important key elements in need of address in macro social work today. Students, educators, and practitioners will benefit from the knowledge and wisdom expressed in this book.”
Paul Force-Emery Mackie, Professor of Social Work, Minnesota State University, Mankato
“Michael Reisch provides readers at the BSW and early MSW level with a comprehensive textbook on the key elements of macro social work practice. Readers will learn about becoming a leader within a variety of organization types and missions while considering a variety of theories and techniques to make change within communities and organizations.”
Michel A. Coconis, Professor of Social Work, Wright State University
“I read Social Policy and Social Justice last semester, and I’m currently reading Macro Social Work Practice. Beyond being very informative, especially in modern times, Reisch’s textbooks are very enjoyable to read. I’m grateful for his service to the discipline, and I hope he continues writing awesome textbooks.”
Patrick Clark, MSNU Master's of Social Work Student
Graduate Assistant, Maverick Success Program
“I like the statement in the book that most practice takes place in community and organizational settings. This is probably one of the most succinct ways to synthesize the strong relationship between the different practice arenas in social work.”
David Okech, Associate Professor and Director of the Master’s in Social Work Program, University of Georgia
“This book is an excellent resource for understanding macro practice in a multicultural society.”
Bryan Warde, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Lehman College-CUNY
“A well written book that describes communities and organizations as systemic-action-arenas for macro social work practice in an increasingly changing diverse demographic landscape.”
Madhavappallil Thomas, Professor of Social Work, California State University, Bakersfield
“Michael Reisch brings his vast expertise, political acumen, and his burning desire to motivate to the creation of a macro-practice text that will inspire students and change the way that they think about social work practice.”
Mark Cameron, Professor of Social Work, Southern Connecticut State University
“The author has successfully identified the most important key elements in need of address in macro social work today. Students, educators, and practitioners will benefit from the knowledge and wisdom expressed in this book.”
Paul Force-Emery Mackie, Professor of Social Work, Minnesota State University, Mankato
“Michael Reisch provides readers at the BSW and early MSW level with a comprehensive textbook on the key elements of macro social work practice. Readers will learn about becoming a leader within a variety of organization types and missions while considering a variety of theories and techniques to make change within communities and organizations.”
Michel A. Coconis, Professor of Social Work, Wright State University
“I read Social Policy and Social Justice last semester, and I’m currently reading Macro Social Work Practice. Beyond being very informative, especially in modern times, Reisch’s textbooks are very enjoyable to read. I’m grateful for his service to the discipline, and I hope he continues writing awesome textbooks.”
Patrick Clark, MSNU Master's of Social Work Student
Graduate Assistant, Maverick Success Program
