Elizabeth Beck

Dr. Elizabeth Beck is a Professor in the School of Social Work at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University. Her research integrates anti-oppression frameworks with restorative justice practices to address mass incarceration, youth violence, and homelessness through a social justice lens. She pioneered forensic social work initiatives and community development projects.

Dr. Beck has led significant research efforts, including the Georgia Council for Restorative Justice (2006–2010) and directing the Georgia State University Center for Community Social Work since 2007. Her work emphasizes community-based solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration between social work and criminal justice systems.

• Focus on restorative justice as a tool for systemic change
• Advocacy for prison reform and marginalized populations
• Integration of community development with forensic social work

She teaches incarcerated students through the Common Good Atlanta program and trains capital defense teams on socioeconomic factors influencing criminal behavior. Her 2022 article in Contemporary Justice Review exemplifies her commitment to participatory research with incarcerated individuals.

Scientific Awards

• American Library Association CHOICE Award for Outstanding Academic Title (2007)

Dr. Beck’s publications include three books: In the Shadow of Death (Oxford University Press, 2007), Social Work and Restorative Justice (Oxford University Press), and The Homelessness Industry (Lynne Rienner Press, 2018), which critiques neoliberal social policies.