SOCIAL POLICY: An Introduction

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 a new 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.
Contents
• The subject of social policy
• Ideas and concepts in social policy
• The development of social policy in Britain
• The global social policy environment
• The contested boundaries of social policy: the case of criminal justice
• Who gets what? Slicing the welfare cake
• Social policy, politics and social control
• Who makes policy? The example of education
• Work and welfare
• Are professionals good for you? The example of health policy and health professionals
• Utopias and ideals: housing policy and the environment
• Community and social care
• Devolution and social policy
• Conclusion: the future of social policy