Main description:

This book captures the evolution of consumerism in the human services. By addressing the changing roles and contributions of consumers (those working within human service organizations and systems and those working outside of those organizations and systems) the author offers an encompassing framework of consumerism. This framework is multidimensional and incorporates multiple types and forms of consumerism. The author offers a rationale for consumerism in the human services, illustrates its evolution, and considers multiple perspectives and models culminating in policy considerations, including specific strategies. This book will equip consumers, survivors, practitioners, and policy makers with substantive knowledge of how to advance human services through action and innovation.

Contents:

Rationale for consumerism in the human services.- Evolution of consumerism in the human services.- Substantive differences between consumerism and survivorship.- Typology of consumerism and survivorship.- Cultures of consumerism in human services.- The inside-outside approach to consumerism- Progressive and radical policy strategies.- Consumerism as an enduring social force in human services.