The Dynamics of Social Welfare Policy - Hardcover

Joel Blau; Mimi Abramovitz

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195109686 ISBN 13: 9780195109689

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2003

Synopsis

The Dynamics of Social Welfare Policy reinvents the contemporary social welfare policy textbook. Organized around the explicit premise that every kind of social work practice embodies a social welfare policy, the book develops three types of knowledge: (1) a description of social welfare policy, (2) a model for understanding any social welfare policy, and (3) tools for thinking critically about social welfare. Recognizing the fluidity of social welfare, the book also helps undergraduate and graduate students identify the triggers that lead to changes in social policy, and, in turn, influence what social workers actually do.
This innovative text presents complex and challenging ideas so that all students can understand them. It reconfigures the discussion of basic policy issues--the construction of social problems, descriptions of major social welfare programs, and the purpose and functions of social welfare policy-in a fresh and accessible way. Covering all CSWE policy-required topics, the text breaks new ground as well by laying out a five-part policy model that shows how the forces of ideology, politics, history, economics, and social movements interact both to create and to change the social welfare system. Through full chapters on each component, this model explores and clarifies the complicated relationship between social policy and social change, including issues of race, class, and gender.

This practical and real-world text empowers students. By making them aware of the persuasive influence of policy on practice, it prepares them as professionals in the twenty-first century to understand the past, present, and future dynamics of social welfare policy.

About this title

About the Author

Joel Blau is at State University of New York at Stony Brook. Mimi Abramovitz is at Hunter College.

Review

"A very readable and comprehensive book that brings a refreshingly new approach to the field by stressing the ever-changing nature of social welfare policy and the need for students to understand the way social policy is shaped by history, ideology, economics, politics, and social movements. This excellent book offers important and challenging insights and deserves to be widely read."-James Midgley, Harry & Riva Specht Professor of Public Social Services and Dean, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley

"I really appreciate this text because it facilitates understanding of the many factors that often complicate social policy in real life experiences. It gives students the tools for questioning and challenging our social welfare practices and approaches as we encounter changing social conditions. Students love it because they are able to recognize key aspects of the policy framework in their personal stories and in the fabric of every day life."--CarolAnn Daniel, Ph.D, Brooklyn College

"A lucid and thoughtful presentation of the dynamic aspects of social welfare policy for students of social work and related human servicesunique and proactive."-Paula Allen-Meares, The Norma Radin Collegiate Professor of Social Work and Professor of Education, and Dean, School of Social Work, University of Michigan

"This text brings to life the texture and pulse of decisions and processes that help determine who will eat steadily, find quality shelter, stay employed, afford transportation, secure child care, and enjoy a livable income. It will serve graduate and undergraduate students for years to come."-Barbara Levy Simon, Associate Professor of Social Work, Columbia University

"A welcome departure from most social policy texts that prepares students to analyze social issues and to construct strategies for changing crucial social welfare policiesa novel and effective approach."-Josefina Figueira-McDonough, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Justice Studies and Social Work, Arizona State University

"Blau and Abramovitz have given us the great gift of their many combined years of professional experience and advocacy for the poor. You don't have to be a social work student to profit from their clarity and insights; I, for one, will be referring to this book for years to come."-Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickle and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

"An accessible, readable, and stimulating approach to social welfare policy that will inform, challenge, and motivate both undergraduate and graduate students. New and exciting, this well-researched and organized text will help students master the intricacies of social welfare policy and became policy-sensitive practitioners."--Irwin Nesoff, DSW, Associate Professor and Assistant Chairperson, Social Work Department (BSW), Kean University

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0195109686
• ISBN 13: 9780195109689
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 528