Social Policy: Issues and Developments

Social Policy: Issues and Developments provides an engaging, comprehensive introduction to contemporary British social policy. It focuses primarily upon developments since 1997 including coverage of major service areas, ideological and other current debates in the subject. The book combines description and analysis in a clear and straightforward approach, whilst recognizing the complexities of contemporary social policy.

Contents Part I: The context for social policy Chapter 1. Economic, social and political change Chapter 2. The politics and government of social policy Part II: Developments in services Chapter 3: Income maintenance and taxation Chapter 4. Work and welfare Chapter 5. Education Chapter 6. The personal social services Chapter 7. Crime and criminal justice policy Chapter 8. Health Chapter 9. Housing Chapter 10. Ethical issues in social policy Chapter 11. ‘New’ social policy Part III: Theorising social policy Chapter 12. Neo-liberalism Chapter 13. From democratic socialism to New Labour Chapter 14. Alternative approaches to social policy Part IV: European and international developments Chapter 15. The European Union and its impact upon recent social policy development Chapter 16. Globalisation and its influence upon social policy development Chapter 17. Conclusions

Features • Examines the political and governmental context within which social policy operates • Explores the boundaries of social policy and the growing relevance of the subject to our understanding of society • Discusses the main ideological perspectives which have underpinned the development of social policy in the UK and provides a reflection of alternative critiques • Covers the international influences in the form of European Union and explores the relevance of debates over globalisation to social policy • Each chapter is written by a leading specialist in the field to provide informative, expert coverage • Chapter outlines, boxed case studies and further reading enhance teaching and learning