What are the concepts and principles that underpin the design and delivery of social policies? This thoroughly revised edition of a trusted text provides an authoritative introduction to the theoretical framework of social policy. Drawing upon the fields of politics, sociology and philosophy, the book offers analysis of the history and relevance of a range of core concepts such as equality, liberty, citizenship and power. It explores key ideologies of welfare, including Marxism, Feminism and the Radical Right, and presents critical perspectives on the nature of society and class. A stimulating combination of classic debates and recent developments in the field, this edition: - Features an entirely new chapter on the growing influences of global justice and environmentalism - Includes thought-provoking new 'Questions for Further Discussion' at the end of each chapter - Addresses fundamental issues in contemporary society such as social exclusion, social division and the nature of happiness Written in a down-to-earth and engaging style, this major text is essential introductory reading for all students of Social Policy, as well as for any student of Sociology, Politics or Public Policy seeking to understand what is at stake in welfare policies of the 21st century.

Social Welfare Alive! provides comprehensive coverage of social policy and social welfare issues which feature increasingly in A-level and Advanced GNVQ Health and Social Care syllabuses.

Welfare Theory and Social Policy provides an introduction to, and development of, current debates about the nature of welfare. It will be essential reading for all students and lecturers of social policy and the politics of the welfare state. @3In Britain, socialist analyses of welfare have conventionally divided into one of two hostile camps -- Fabian and Marxist. The Fabian tradition is empiricist and reformist and works within the capitalist system to eradicate inequalities and improve the provision of welfare. This tradition has, to a large extent, informed the policies of Labour governments. Against this tradition has been set the Marxist school. This has been critical, not only of the performance of the welfare state, but also of the belief that welfare provision under capitalism can achieve significant social change. @3In this major new text Phil Lee and Colin Raban examine these two traditions, looking at the key questions which face both in the context of the modern welfare state. Is reformism and political pragmatism necessarily at odds with a theoretically informed critique of the inequalities of the capitalist system? With the future of the welfare state thrown in doubt by the new right, do Marxists need to modify their analysis of the fate of welfare reforms as little more than instruments of social control? Drawing on the latest work in critical social policy from both traditions, the authors argue that it is an urgent political necessity that each learn from the strengths of the other. Only in this way can welfare be defended and advanced in a way which is both intellectually coherent and politically feasible.

Demonstrating the relevance of theory to political and policy debates and practice, this lively and accessible second edition helps students to grasp the real-life implications of social policy theory. The updated text includes consideration of contemporary shifts in welfare ideologies in the context of global austerity and the UK Coalition and Conservative governments since 2010. With a new chapter focusing on critical debates about disability, sexuality and the environment, this textbook also includes fresh reflections on migration, conditionality, resilience, social justice and human rights. Key features include: • real-life examples from UK and international politics and policy to explain and illuminate the significance of social policy theory; • key questions for student reflection and engagement; and • bulleted chapter summaries and annotated further readings at the end of every chapter. This new edition is a dynamic, engaging and valuable introduction to the key theoretical perspectives and concepts deployed in social policy.

Preface and AcknowledgmentsPart I: Introducing Social Welfare Policy 1. Introduction: Social Problems, Social Policy, and the Triggers of Social Change2. Definitions and Functions of Social Welfare Policy, Mimi AbramovitzPart II: The Policy Model 3. The Economy and Social Welfare4. The Politics of Social Welfare5. Ideological Perspectives and Conflicts, Mimi Abramovitz6. Social Movements and Social Changes, Mimi Abramovitz7. Social Welfare History in the United StatesPart III: Policy Analyses: Applying the Policy Model 8. Income Support: Programs and Policies9. Jobs and Job Training: Programs.

When the first edition of Irish Social Policy was published in 2009, Ireland's enduring economic crisis was only beginning to emerge. In the time since, nearly all areas of Irish social policy have been significantly affected, as policy makers have sought to combat the numerous, multifaceted social challenges posed by Ireland's economic downfall. Retaining the first edition's original structure and the same highly accessible style, this second edition of Irish Social Policy is fully updated and revised to reflect these dramatic shifts. Needs and risks associated with recession and economic precarity have escalated, while social services have simultaneously been forced to cope with significant cutbacks and restructuring. Changes in the landscape of policy making processes and policy drivers are also occurring, as are shifts in the politics and ideas underpinning Ireland's social policy. Particularly timely in light of these ongoing changes, this imperative book offers a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to social policy in the evolving Ireland of today.

Douglas E. Ashford joins a growing number of scholars who have questioned the behavioralist assumptions of much policy science. The essays in this volume show why policy analysis cannot be confined to prevailing methods of social science. Policy-making behavior involves historical, contextual, and philosophical factors that also raise critical questions about the concepts and theory of the discipline. Ashford asks difficult questions about the contextual, conjunctural, and unintentional circumstances that affect actual decision-making. His bridging essays summarize opposing viewpoints and conflicting interpretations to help form a new agenda for comparative policy analysis.

Social policy is a continuously evolving field requiring constant review, documentation, and analysis. The Handbook of Social Policy is an attempt to document the now substantial body of knowledge about government social policies that has been accumulated since the study of social policy first emerged as an organized field of academic endeavor about 50 years ago. The Second Edition offers a more streamlined format to make the book more consistent with the way most instructors teach their courses. This text is a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to a vast field of endeavor that has, over the years, made a significant difference to the lives and the well-being of the people of the United States. New to the Second Edition Provides up-to-date policies and references to include the latest information on social policy Offers a state of the art account of American social policy at the beginning of the 21st century Presents contributions, including more case studies and examples, from leading experts in their respective areas challenge the norm in thinking about social welfare policy Focuses more attention on diverse populations and international issues Includes added content to reflect the areas that have received increased attention such as advocacy, policy practice, immigration issues, discrimination, and more Intended Audience This is excellent text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses such as History of Social Policy, Education and Social Policy, and International Social Policy in the fields of social policy, public policy and administration, and social work.

The treatment of indigenous populations by more recent immigrant groups in Africa, Australasia, New Zealand, Europe and the Americas is examined in relation to their political subjugation, social discrimination and cultural rejuvenation.