Social Policy: Theory and practice is a fully revised, updated and extended edition of a bestselling social policy textbook, extensively reworked and adapted to meet the needs of its international readership. The book lays out the architecture of social policy as a field of study, binding the discussion of theory to the understanding of social policy in practice. It aims to provide students and practitioners with a sense of the scope, range and purpose of the subject while developing critical awareness of problems, issues and common fallacies. Written in an accessible and engaging style, it explains
For students, there are boxes raising issues and reviewing case studies, questions for discussion and a detailed glossary. The book’s distinctive, path–breaking approach makes it invaluable for students studying social policy at a range levels, professionals and practitioners in the field of social policy.
Introduction: the nature of social policy
Part 1: Social policy and society
Welfare in society
Inequalities
Problems and responses
Needs and welfare
Indicators - quantifying social issues
Part 2: Policy
Public policy
Welfare states
Principles and values
Strategies for welfare
Policy in practice
Part 3: Social administration: the organisation and delivery of welfare
Welfare sectors
The organisation of public services
Value for money
Service delivery
Receiving welfare
The administrative process
Part 4: The methods and approaches of social policy
Research for policy
Evidence and policy
Social policy for practice.
"The best book of its kind on the market . brings together the institutional, theoretical and methodological aspects of the subject in an original and illuminating way." Robert Pinker, Emeritus Professor of Public Administration, London School of Economics and Political Science
"A highly informative, readable and authoritative introduction to the study of social issues . It is thoroughly recommended for all those with an interest in the social policy field." Health and Social Care in the Community
"Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social policy. This is not a usual textbook which just gives an overview of the subject, it invites and encourages readers to think and ask questions about studying and understanding social policy" Faiz Rasool, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology
"There is more food for thought here than in most introductory texts. It captures the very particular approach to the study of social issues that is British 'social policy', which is gaining ground internationally." Howard Glennerster, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science
"Social Policy: Theory and practice comes highly recommended as a thorough and stimulating introduction to the field. " Citizens Income Trust
"Five stars. This book is a "must have" for students of social policy!" "Brilliant book, covers everything that I need for social studies . " Amazon customer reviews
The page of Readings in social policy has links to writing about Social Policy issues in much greater depth. The readings have been selected to complement the text of Social Policy and are freely available online. Most of the links download PDF files.
The second edition of Social Policy included guidance to students on writing about social policy. The advice for students is available here, along with an adapted version of the guide to sources given on pp 450-452 of the third edition.
