Social Policy Analysis and Practice

Written from both the rational and political perspectives, the book describes the key role of social work and how it has been shaped by science and politics. A variety of methodological approaches are discussed, including program evaluation, needs assessment, and cost benefit analysis. Ethical and political forces are identified as they may relate to populations and groups at risk as well as to the steps taken to address problems.While many other books of this nature stress a historical and cultural evolution of policy and the helping professions, Social Policy Analysis is presented with a contemporary context of reason, politics, and ethics. Content includes the evolutions in the welfare administration under the Clinton administration, cost benefit analysis, and linking to operational and organizational levels.

Thomas M. Meenaghan (PhD, MSW, Fordham University) is professor emeritus in the Ehrenkranz School of Social Work at New York University. Prior to joining the faculty, Professor Meenaghan was a member of the faculty and held major education responsibilities at the Ohio State University and Loyola University Chicago. Professor Meenaghan has practiced in the Institute of Urban Research, serves as a program proposal reviewer for the Department of Health and Human Services, has been a member of the Commission on Accreditation of Social Work, and is active with a variety of community bodies. He is the author of five books and several articles. Possessing graduate degrees in social work and sociology, he looks for connections between social science disciplines and practice interventions.

Keith M. Kilty (PhD, MA, SUNY at Binghamton) is professor of social work at the Ohio State University. He is the author of three other books as well as over forty scholarly articles. He co-founded the Journal with Elizabeth A. Segal.

John G. McNutt (PhD, University of Tennessee; MSW, University of Alabama) is professor of social work at the University of Delaware. His research program looks at the use of Internet technology in social change and technology use by nonprofit organizations. He has coauthored and coedited four books and has published and presented widely on advocacy, technology, and nonprofit organizations. He is also the moderator for the Nonprofit Informatics Research Group and the Electronic Advocacy Group.