Modernising Social Policy

This title was first published in 2000: The 1997 election marked the prospect of a new era in social welfare - the possibility of establishing a third phase in the post-war history of the welfare state (the first being the creation of the Keynesian welfare state, the second the Thatcher/Major neo-liberal reforms). The key aim of this book is to critically explore the options for the future of welfare under New Labour. The welfare state that the government inherited from the Conservatives is widely believed to be in a critical condition. At the same time, there is evidence of widening social inequality in Britain which existing social policy measures fail to address. Whilst acknowledging that future welfare strategies are likely to operate within a market paradigm, the key argument of this book is that welfare providers should operate within a more accountable and democratic environment where service-users have the right to participate in decision-making processes affecting their welfare - regardless of the ability to pay. The book concludes that the dominant discourse shaping social policy in Britain must be recognized and should not be accepted uncritically and that there are very real economic (as well as social) benefits from taking measures to address social disadvantage.

This seminar proceedings examines whether The fundamental policy question addressed in the seminar was whether the current designs of social protection systems in OECD societies are well-suited to contemporary life-course realities.

This seminar proceedings examines whether The fundamental policy question addressed in the seminar was whether the current designs of social protection systems in OECD societies are well-suited to contemporary life-course realities.

This title's three sections cover the main issues of the modernization agenda, making it ideal for teaching. It also locates the issues in their theoretical, historical and policy contexts which meets the needs of student readers.

Written in a concise and accessible style by Michael Hill, this textprovides a coherent, thematic account of social policy in the modern world. Takes a comparative approach, considering the ways in which different countries approach social policies. Discusses the applicability of comparative theory in social policy Examines individual policy areas, including social security, employment policy, health services, social care and education. Provides a comparative exploration of current issues in social policy, such as the implications of ageing societies and the impact of global forces. Written in a concise and accessible style by Michael Hill, who is also the author of Blackwell’s Understanding Social Policy, now in its seventh edition.

New Labour's modernisation agenda has produced an avalanche of change that has posed formidable challenges for everyone involved in social work, whether as service users, practitioners or managers. Modernising Social Work provides a radical appraisal of the far-reaching changes in their theoretical, historical and policy contexts. The book is organised into three sections that consider: the inter-relationship of modernisation and managerialism, modernisation's impact on service users and the ways in which social workers and front-line managers seek to exercise professional discretion for the benefit of service users within a workplace culture of intensified scrutiny and control. Analysis of a range of key developments in all three areas reveals the modernisation agenda as complex and contested. The book's three sections cover the main issues of the modernisation agenda, making it ideal for teaching. Locating the issues in their theoretical, historical and policy contexts meets the needs of student readers and experienced social workers will appreciate the emphasis on empirical research as well as practice experience.

First published in 1994. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Considers a range of approaches to social policy provision and applies these to developments in the British welfare state. The author works from the basis that the theory and practice of social policy would benefit from a broader understanding of social, political and economic contexts.