Social Science and Social Policy (Routledge Revivals) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1032159154 ISBN 13: 9781032159157

Publisher: Routledge, 2024

Synopsis

First published in 1986, Social Science and Social Policy addresses major questions concerned with the social utility of social science. The book is divided into four parts. The first part considers the place of social science in the policy-making process and criticizes the rational model which gives a central place to analysis. In part two, five different methodologies for policy research are considered: the use of continuous surveys, public opinion polls, social indicators, evaluation research and social experimentations and the use of qualitative methods. The advantages and drawbacks of each are considered with extensive use of examples. In the third part, the role of theory is examined. Particular attention is paid to the issue of health inequality. In part four, general questions are raised about the use and abuse of social science, including questions about how it can be most effectively disseminated to make maximum impact.

The book is aimed at a general readership and requires no special methodological expertise. It will appeal particularly to undergraduates and graduate students taking courses in social policy, public policy applied sociology and a range of applied social sciences such as criminology, health studies, education and social work.

About this title

About the Author

Martin Bulmer

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1032159154
• ISBN 13: 9781032159157
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 348
• Editor: Bulmer Martin I A