SOCIAL PATTERNS OF SMOKING-BEHAVIOR - TRENDS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

In this article the authors contend that the social work profession ha s paid scant attention to the problem of tobacco use. The article revi ews the literature on the health effects of tobacco, the impact of smo king on vulnerable populations, and the market practices of the tobacc o industry. The underlying premise is that personal behavior is heavil y influenced by the political and social environment and that from chi ldhood on individuals are enticed to smoke. The article makes recommen dations for political action, including coalition building, community organizing, and political advocacy.