An Introduction To Social Policy

An Introduction to Social Policy explores essential welfare topics, themes and issues for students studying social policy or related disciplines such as sociology, social work, or nursing and social care. - Part One examines key concepts including welfare, social justice, diversity and health and well-being. - Part Two explores policy issues in relation to key stages of the lifecourse. - Part Three takes a comparative perspective, discussing the international issues and supranational bodies that impact on British and European social policy today. The concise chapters define the key terms and outline the central debates, giving students a fundamental foundation for their degree. Chapter overviews and summaries guide readers through the book, and questions for reflection conclude each chapter to test readers' knowledge. This book is essential reading for all students of social policy and the social sciences, as well as those taking joint honours programmes in social work, sociology, criminology, politics and social care. Peter Dwyer is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Salford. Sandra Shaw is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Salford.

What are social policies? How are social policies created and implemented? Why do certain policies exist? The fourth edition of this highly respected textbook provides a clear and engaging introduction to social policy. The book has been thoroughly updated to include: Changes in social policy introduced by the Coalition government Incorporation of an international perspective throughout, as well as anew chapter: The global social policy environment Updated pedagogy to stimulate thought and learning Comprehensive glossary Social Policy is essential reading for students beginning or building on their study of social policy or welfare. The wide-ranging coverage of topics means that the book holds broad appeal for a number of subject areas including health, social policy, criminology, education, social work and sociology. "This textbook has always been a useful teaching resource because it combines substantial and engaging analysis with 'stand alone' extracts. The new edition adds a chapter on global social policy, updates on the Coalition Government and guides to what is in the book. The added activities are well thought out and can be adapted or expanded to suit the needs of particular students." Hedley Bashforth, Teaching Fellow in Social Policy, University of Bath, UK "Social Policy: An Introduction, now in its fourth edition and eleventh year, will remain a core social policy text on reading lists across the country due to its well written and comprehensive nature. Completely revised, it has been updated and extended to reflect contemporary developments in social policy and contains updated pedagogical features, including activities for the reader, learning outcomes at the start of each chapter and detailed case studies throughout." Dr Liam Foster, University of Sheffield, UK "This book provides, as it states, an introduction to the field and does so by adopting a highly attractive pedagogic style that evidences, at every turn, a sensitivity to the approaches to learning of contemporary students. What Blakemore and Warwick-Booth have produced is a clearly laid out and well-structured analysis of impressive breadth that is a readily accessible learning instrument both for student and teacher. Importantly, it provides numerous opportunities to experiment with new ways of approaching the teaching of the subject." Steen Mangen, Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

UK. Textbook based on a series of introductory lectures on social policy and the social theory of welfare - presents basic concepts of social administration, social services, social cost and income redistribution, etc. Bibliography pp. 152 to 156 and references.

An overview of developments in social policy and welfare, this text offers chapters on social security, education, health, housing and environment, and community care. The history and principles of British social policy are also included.

In a political climate that is ever more focused on austerity and efficiency, it is crucial that those who advocate for, support, and implement social policy know how to analyze it and understand its effects, successes, and failures. This volume offers a clear introduction to social policy analysis, starting from the question of why social policy analysis is worthwhile, then moving on to how it can be used to consider approaches to a wide range of social welfare issues.

The second edition of this classic text from acclaimed author Paul Spicker introduces students to the concepts and methods of social policy. It provides a sense of the scope, range and purpose of the subject while developing critical awareness of problems, issues and common fallacies. The distinctive and original book has been thoughtfully revised, extending beyond the updating of material to refinement and improvement of the book's structure. Divided into four parts, it explains what social policy is and why it matters; looks at social policy in its social context, including social structures, problems and needs; considers policy, the role of the state and the social services; looks at social administration and service delivery; and focuses on the methods and approaches of the subject, discussing the application of theory to practice, research and policy analysis.FeaturesRevised, enlarged and fully updated second editionProvides a thematic introduction to the concepts underlying the provision of social welfare and the processes by which welfare is organised and deliveredBrings an emphasis on theories, approaches and methods that complements other books in the fieldDraws on materials from a range of disciplines, including sociology, political theory and economics and public and social administrationStudent-friendly features, including case studies/dilemma boxes and questions for discussion in each chapter, a detailed glossary and student notesWritten in an accessible style, the book will be widely used by students of social policy, welfare and the social sciences across the world. It can be used both as a core text and as an essential complement to other reading and will be invaluable for students studying social policy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as students on professional courses in social work, housing and health studies.

An understanding of social policy is vital for engaging practically with social work values, and dealing with political and ethical questions about responsibility, rights and our understanding of ‘the good society’. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to social policy, tailored to the needs of a social work audience. The new edition of this popular and accessible text analyses current policies and policy themes relevant to social work, and locates them in the context of fundamental social policy principles and debates. It discusses the nature of social policy and its relationship to social work, and covers essential themes such as: - service user participation and involvement - the balance between individual, societal and state responsibility for people’s wellbeing - the interactions of the state, the private sector, voluntary organisations and the family - the relationships between needs, rights and choices - the purposes and challenges of professional social work - the meanings of ‘equality’, ‘prevention’ and ‘personalisation’. Each chapter ends with activities for reflection and analysis, and suggestions for further reading. Social Work and Social Policy is invaluable for students undertaking social work qualifying courses, all of whom are required to demonstrate an understanding of the social policy contexts of practice.

Bringing together top scholars in the field, Universality and Social Policy in Canada provides an overview of the universality principle in social welfare. The contributors survey the many contested meanings of universality in relation to specific social programs, the field of social policy, and the modern welfare state. The book argues that while universality is a core value undergirding certain areas of state intervention--most notably health care and education--the contributory principle of social insurance and the selectivity principle of income assistance are also highly significant precepts in practice.