Social Policy : An Introduction

Social Policy: An Introduction is a comprehensive, readable and thought-provoking overview of current developments in social policy and welfare.

It represents an ideal entry-point for students at degree and pre-degree level who are beginning studies in social policy.

It also includes some in-depth discussion of key policy questions which will be of interest to professionals and practitioners in such fields as health, medicine and nursing, social services, education, law and policing.This is the first introductory text in social policy to combine discussion of key policy-making themes (power and decision-making, paying for welfare, social control, the role of the professions) with particular areas of social policy.

There are separate chapters on social security, education, health, housing and environment, and community care, as well as on the history and principles of British social policy.

Readers will gain a perspective on the framework of social policy in Britain today, and also on why and how policies have developed in the way they have.

In order to consolidate learning and to develop a critical approach, each chapter is concluded with further questions and suggestions for research and reading.

The book is completed with a glossary of key terms in social policy.