Human Behavior in the Social Environment (New Directions in Social Work)

The new, sixth edition of Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Perspectives on Development and the Life Course deepens students’ understanding of the major theories, themes, and issues related to people and how they interact and change over the life span and with respect to their social environments.

The new edition has been updated to reflect and build on new developments and awareness related to systemic racism and social justice and mental health and health-related concerns that were exacerbated and exposed by the pandemic. The text also comes with a rich companion website that includes support materials and six unique cases that encourage students to learn by doing and to apply their knowledge of human behavior to practice. The book works to:

• Provide balanced, thorough, and accessible coverage of the major theories and perspectives that social workers utilize to understand and address the myriad problems their clients encounter
• Integrate crucial information on life course development, associated development phases, and related problem areas into a single, engaging framework
• Stimulate classroom discussion and application around key concepts, themes, and issues

The content in this text is supported by a range of fully updated instructor-led and student resources - including presentations; sample test questions; recommended readings; and links for further study/applications to current events - that are available on its companion website, www.routledgesw.com. Comprehensive, engaging, and filled with examples for students to learn how to apply their burgeoning knowledge to realistic practice issues, the new edition of Human Behavior in the Social Environment remains invaluable as a tool for courses by the same name in undergraduate and graduate curriculums.

Human Behavior in the Social Environment is a comprehensive and well-researched text which covers the theories and perspectives on development across the lifespan. In an ever-evolving field, the author painstakingly addresses these changes to make the text relevant and timely. A must-have textbook for any Human Development course! Pamela Clary, PhD, LCSW, LSCSW, BSW Program Director and Associate Professor, Missouri Western State University

In my experience, my students deeply engage with Anissa Taun Rogers’ Human Behavior in the Social Environment textbook. In particular, they often find that the case studies help to bring the content alive! The cases are introduced at the beginning of each chapter, and then revisited throughout after ‘bite-sized’ pieces of information have been presented. This on-going application of theoretical or life-span material helps the student consider accessible amounts of information in light of the case. As faculty, I find that this can be revisited in class discussions and small group exercises to reinforce their understanding, vocabulary development, and confidence in applying complex ideas.
Hope Haslam Straughan, PhD, MSW, ACSW, Clinical Associate Professor and Human Behavior Coordinator, Boston University School of Social Work

Dr. Rogers’ book Human Behavior in the Social Environment offers students very imperative theoretical and practical knowledge on human development and behavior throughout the life course. The book presents vital information on the interplay between persons and their social environment, and it effectively demonstrates how these interactions are both interconnected and interdependent. The text offers very useful supporting materials and special cases that facilitate the learning and development of students experientially. This combination of resources provides students with an opportunity to learn in action, thus solidifying best practice and empowering them to use critical thinking frameworks to inform and guide their eventual practice with clients.
Hope Attipoe, PhD, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Savannah State University

Anissa Taun Rogers is a licensed clinical social worker, with more than 25 years of higher education experience. She currently serves as Professor in the School of Social Work at California State University, San Bernardino. She has served as the director of the Social Work Program and as the chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and co-director of Gender and Women Studies at the University of Portland.