What do our myths say about us? Why do we choose to believe stories that have been disproven? David M. Krueger takes an in-depth look at a legend that held tremendous power in one corner of Minnesota, helping to define both a community’s and a state’s identity for decades.In 1898, a Swedish immigrant farmer claimed to have discovered a large rock with writing carved into its surface in a field near Kensington, Minnesota. The writing told a North American origin story, predating Christopher Columbus’s exploration, in which Viking missionaries reached what is now Minnesota in 1362 only to be massacred by Indians. The tale’s credibility was quickly challenged and ultimately undermined by experts, but the myth took hold.Faith in the authenticity of the Kensington Rune Stone was a crucial part of the local Nordic identity. Accepted and proclaimed as truth, the story of the Rune Stone recast Native Americans as villains. The community used the account as the basis for civic celebrations for years, and advocates for the stone continue to promote its validity despite the overwhelming evidence that it was a hoax. Krueger puts this stubborn conviction in context and shows how confidence in the legitimacy of the stone has deep implications for a wide variety of Minnesotans who embraced it, including Scandinavian immigrants, Catholics, small-town boosters, and those who desired to commemorate the white settlers who died in the Dakota War of 1862.Krueger demonstrates how the resilient belief in the Rune Stone is a form of civil religion, with aspects that defy logic but illustrate how communities characterize themselves. He reveals something unique about America’s preoccupation with divine right and its troubled way of coming to terms with the history of the continent’s first residents. By considering who is included, who is left out, and how heroes and villains are created in the stories we tell about the past, Myths of the Rune Stone offers an enlightening perspective on not just Minnesota but the United States as well.

As the American population becomes increasingly multicultural, it becomes necessary to focus on the particular needs and experiences of different ethnicities. This book does just that within the context of the field of social work, as it explores ways in which class and ethnic factors could contribute to the assessment and intervention process. First written in response to CSWE mandates in the early 1980s for the incorporation of ethnicity in the social work practice sequence, this book is one of the most well-known and respected books on ethnic-sensitive social work practice, diversity practice, or practice with minorities. Through a generalist perspective in its approach the book includes various ethnicities, various populations -- individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities-- and various approaches to practice -- empowerment and strengths perspectives, psychosocial perspectives, problem-solving, task-centered and structural approaches. Social workers and therapists.

Product Description: Written by two leading authors in the field, Social Work and Spiritualityprovides a critical engagement with the concept of spirituality and a much needed framework for the integration of spiritual care in mainstream practice. It isfundamental reading for all students of social work theory, ethics and practice...read more

This diversity practice book teaches readers how to work with a broad range of diverse populations, using the "Person-In-Environment" (PIE) theoretical framework. The diverse populations presented in the book are described within an ecological, strengths perspective. The authors' thesis is that, in order to work effectively with diverse populations, it is necessary to take into consideration the complex dynamics of social functioning and social oppression. The "Person-In-Environment" theoretical framework provides a basis for analysis of the social, economic, and political reality of these diverse populations. The text presents an affirmative practice approach, and builds on the available diversity practice literature. For anyone working in a diverse population or looking to gain knowledge in this area.

Product Description: This Key Concepts clearly and concisely explains the basic ideas in the field of anti-discriminatory social work. It: explores the range of discriminations that people experience and discusses a number of theories that inform anti-discriminatory practice;considers the legal frameworks within which anti-discriminatory practice operates; analyzes the skills and knowledge required to practice effectively;highlights the dynamic nature of anti-discriminatory practice and points the way towards a new practice dimension...read more

Product Description: Diversity, Oppression, and Change explores the relationship between cultural diversity, oppression, and social change and their implications for the social work profession and allied fields. The culturally grounded perspective describes specific ways of helping and integrates these methods into social work practice, policy, and research...read more

As the American population becomes increasingly multicultural, it becomes necessary to focus on the particular needs and experiences of different ethnicities. This book does just that within the context of the field of social work, as it explores ways in which class and ethnic factors could contribute to the assessment and intervention process. First written in response to CSWE mandates in the early 1980s for the incorporation of ethnicity in the social work practice sequence, this book is one of the most well-known and respected books on ethnic-sensitive social work practice, diversity practice, or practice with minorities. Through a generalist perspective in its approach the book includes various ethnicities, various populations -- individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities-- and various approaches to practice -- empowerment and strengths perspectives, psychosocial perspectives, problem-solving, task-centered and structural approaches. Social workers and therapists.

Product Description: Religion and spirituality are emotive areas where unnecessary polarisation is all too common. Professional training courses for human services practitioners have tended to neglect these areas. Bernard Moss's skilful and sensitive book redresses the balance on both scores, and - as Neil Thompson writes in his foreword - deserves to become a classic...read more

Product Description: Featuring edited chapters contributed by practitioners and experts working within global cultures, Rabin's text offers a practical and integrated way of considering gender, ethnicity and culture through narrative in the helping process...read more

This text offers a practical and well-defined model of social work practice with culturally diverse communities. The book defines generalist practice, human and cultural diversity, and multicultural social work and is ideal for all pre- and in-service social workers who deal with culturally diverse clients in family service centers, hospitals, mental health centers, and multicultural service centers. Lum uses a single family case study-the Hernandez family-to provide linkage and integration for the step-by-step description of the process-stage approach. He offers up-to-date coverage on women of color, refugees, and immigrants and includes information on the five-stage practice process model: contact, problem identification, assessment, intervention, and termination.

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Product Description: The right of minority groups to define their culture and identity in their own terms is the central theme of this book. O'Hagan argues that a comprehensive definition of culture, and an awareness of all the issues involved, may enable practitioners to fulfil their statutory obligations more effectively...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)