Full Description
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 what social policy is and why it matters; looks at social policy in its social context; considers policy, the role of the state and the social services; explores issues in social administration and service delivery; and focuses on the methods and approaches of the subject. For practitioners, there are discussions of the techniques and approaches used to apply social policy in practice. 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.
Contents
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.
