In this second edition of a classic text, the changes in the lives of women using social services and women working in them are sensitively charted with the aim of reflecting on how non-sexist women-centred practice can be nurtured and developed. Retaining its original emphasis on attitudes, values and the social welfare context, the text explores the core areas of poverty, work (including providing support for children and adults), violence and familial relationships, but with a stronger emphasis on the important diversities created by age, disability and employment, as well as by race, class and sexuality.