Social Policy: An Introduction

Praise for the first edition:
" A very sound introductory text"
- Journal of Public Health Medicine

"an excellent introduction"
- International Social Work

"clear, concise, up-to-date and helpfully referenced"
- Professor Ian Kendall, University of Portsmouth, SPA News.

"a comprehensive introduction to social policy...very readable and stimulating."
- Nursing Review

Praise for the second edition:
"We made good use of the 1st edition but this 2nd edition offers ideal coverage of our new Social Policy module. I like the glossary, which new students found very useful, the contents page gives good detail, and the 'further reading' is helpfully annotated. The style is very accessible for students new to the discipline, whilst retaining a good level of academic discussion."
Peter Mounsey, Social Work Programme Leader, Burnley College

"A substantial introductory text. Excellent inclusion of employment policy, health /social care/ housing and environment. A most useful text for Level 2 undergraduates studying across policy issues."
Sheila Emmett, Sunderland University

The new edition of Social Policy builds on the strengths of the highly respected first edition to offer a broad introduction to current developments in social policy and welfare. Comprehensive, readable and thought-provoking, this is now the standard introductory book on social policy in the United Kingdom.

The completely revised second edition has been expanded and updated to reflect latest develpments in the major fields of social welfare:
. New chapters on employment policy and on the impact of devolution and the European Union
. Completely re-written chapters on social security and poverty, education, health, housing and environment, social care, and the history and principles of social policy
. Discussion and analysis of major policy themes including power and decision-making, paying for welfare, social control and the role of the professions
. Study aids include glossary of key terms; each chapter includes key terms and concepts and further reading

Social Policy: An Introduction is essential reading for students beginning or building on their study of social policy or welfare. It can be used in undergraduate degree courses, postgraduate diplomas and Masters level, A-level, HND, HNC Certificate and Diploma studies. The book is an invaluable reference resource for practitioners, professionals of policy makers in fields including health, medicine and nursing, housing, social services and counselling, education, law and criminology.

Ken Blakemore is a senior lecturer in social policy in the School of Social Sciences and International Development, University of Wales Swansea. He has previously taught in Africa, at the University of California, Los Angeles, and at universities in Coventry, Birmingham and Warwick. He has written numerous articles on the policy and social service issues arising from the ageing of Britain's black and Asian communities; he has also written books on African education, minority ageing, and equal opportunity policies.