This book is primer on economics specifically written for social work students, but we hope it is useful to anyone interested in a primer on economics. It introduces the general definitions and concepts of economics and uses case studies in social work to develop applied knowledge. The case studies include stories of job training, substance abuse centers, counseling, therapy, child protective services, and services for the poor. The concluding chapters are devoted to topics directly related to social work: economics of poverty, health economics, household economics, the economics of labor, and government failure. This book is a first edition from 2002. A second edition will be out, probably in 2020.