Human Behavior and the Social Environment

The textbook Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Shifting Paradigms in Essential Knowledge for Social Work Practice, 7th Edition, by Joe M. Schriver provides core academic instruction for social work students. Published by Pearson with a 2020 copyright year, this volume examines human behavior across multiple social dimensions, ranging from individuals, families, and small groups to organizations, communities, and global forces.

The work addresses how broader social systems function to either support or deter people in achieving health and well-being. By maintaining a focus on these environmental contexts, the content helps learners analyze structural influences alongside individual life trajectories across a range of practice settings.

Belonging to the Connecting Core Competencies Series, the book fits foundational social work courses focusing on human development and social environments. It offers structured academic context for students preparing for practical field application without requiring prior advanced coursework in policy analysis.