Book Review: Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Models, Metaphors, and Maps for Applying Theoretical Perspectives to Practice. James A. Forte. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2007. 634 pp. Paper: ISBN 0-495-00659-9, $80.95.

This textbook is a helpful addition for Social Work curriculum. It highlights the application of theory to practice and chooses some interesting theoretical models that support social work practice. The book is divided into three parts: Understanding Theories and Tools for Translation; Models, Metaphors, and Maps Applied; and Theoretical Integration. Like many HBSE texts, this one begins with a discussion of theory and theorizing. In addition, Forte adds a number of methods for understanding or translating theoretical models, including the use of core metaphors, theoretical maps, and role models from theorists and practitioners associated with each model. This introductory section describes the theoretical foundation for the discussion that follows. Ten theoretical models are presented: Ecological, Systems, Biology, Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Behaviorism, Symbolic Interactionism, Social Role, Economic, and Critical theories. The chapter titles all start with the word ‘Applied’ denoting the emphasis of understanding each model as a framework for social work practice. Each model is presented using the same structure: Introduction, Exemplary Models, Root Metaphors, Core Assumptions, Approach to Human Development, Selective Propositions, Mapping, Limits, and an example of Theory Application to a problem area of interest to Social Work. In addition each chapter ends with a number of Learning Activities suggestions which could be used for in-class exercises or for homework assignments. The final part of the book discusses a number of methods for integrating theoretical models and describes the author’s preference for a Dialogical Approach in which theoretical discussions compare, match, challenge, sequence, or synthesize different approaches.