Promotes critical thinking through extensive review and analysis of macro-level systems and structures, highlighting both the positive and negative impacts they have on individuals and families. * Avoids overwhelming students with the multitude of theories used to explain large systems by using the same structure in each chapter, helping students mentally organize material in a way that helps them apply the knowledge to other social work courses. * Fully supports the person-in-environment orientation by moving away from an over-emphasis on individual development, toward an examination of contextual issues that more fully explains the challenges routinely encoutered by social workers. * Thoroughly examines the social institutions that impact social workers and their clients, helping students make connections between current events and social work curriculum content (Chs. 2-4). * Introduces content on social class, racial/ethnic minorities, gender, sexual orientation and disabilities in a way that encourages open mindedness in students while discouraging stereotyping (Chs. 5-11). * Focuses on diversity and strengths in minority populations and social settings, and addresses issues of oppression with sensitivity, helping to develop students' appreciation for the challenges faced by populations at risk (Chs. 5-11).