For many social work users, shame is an ongoing part of their daily experience. Examining experiences of shame and stigma in the context of austerity and the declining welfare state, this book shows how social work can ameliorate the impacts of shame through sensitive, reflective and relationship-based practice. It provides a broad understanding of shame, its underlying social and political contexts and its effects on professional workers and service users.

Contributions by: Mark Hardy, Matthew Gibson, Carsten Schroeder, Friederike Lorenz, Marie Demant