Includes bibliographical references and index.

Machine generated contents note: 1. Social complexity and vulnerability
Introduction
Setting the problem
The new social quest
The exclusionary social world
Social complexity
Superdiversity, class and poverty
Changing perspective on answering social problems
Final remark
2. Social efficacy
Introduction
Polanyi: tacit knowledge
Bourdieu: habitus
Schon: artistry
Sen: capabilities
Concluding reflections
Final remark
3. Normative professionalisation
Introduction
Professionalisation
Normative professionalisation: history and essentials
Developing normative professionalisation
Fostering professionalisation
Final remark
4. Transformation and deinstitutionalisation
Introduction
Transforming the welfare state
Active citizenship
Deinstitutionalisation
Final remark
5. Social work
Introduction
Exploring and positioning social work
The social model
The social work body of knowledge Note continued: Contextual social work
Final remark
6. Social work as a practice based science and research
Introduction
Social work as a science and a discipline
Social work research
Research methodology and methods
Characterising the epistemological position of social work research
Evidence based practice or evidence biased practice?
Final remark
7. The case of Marc: applying theory to practice
Introduction
Multiple connections
Ingredients for coping with social complexity
Final remark.

Being socially competent is essential in late modern society. We expect people to find their own accommodation, partner, job, community and lifestyle and struggle to find answers for those who are not able or do not have the opportunity to achieve these things.