Social Problems in the UK: An Introduction

Social Problems in the UK: An Introduction is the first textbook on contemporary social issues to contextualise social problems within the disciplines of sociology, social policy, criminology and applied social science. Drawing on the research and teaching experience of academics in these areas, this much-needed textbook brings together a comprehensive range of expertise. Social Problems in the UK discusses the strengthening and changing character of social construction, providing a new and invigorated way of studying the issues for all social science students. This clear, accessible textbook guides students in approaching the methodology, theory and research of social problems, and introduces the key topics in the area:

• migration and ‘race’
• work and unemployment
• poverty
• drugs, violence and policing
• youth, sub-culture and gangs
• childhood and education

Social Problems in the UK provides a number of helpful pedagogical features for ease of teaching and learning, including: case studies; links to data sources; textboxes highlighting examples, key figures etc.; study questions, and tips on how to undertake literature reviews and use journals and databases.

Dr Stuart Isaacs is a senior lecturer in Social Policy and Sociology at London Metropolitan University. He is the co-author of Contemporary Political Theorists in Context (2009) and Political Theorists in Context (2004), as well as the sole author of The Politics and Philosophy of Michael Oakeshott (2006), all published by Routledge. His research interests are in political and social theory. He has recently been made a University Teaching Fellow in recognition of his outstanding contribution to teaching and learning.

David Blundell worked as a primary school teacher and then taught education students at South Bank and North London universities. David established community sport clubs with young people in Hackney before joining London Metropolitan University as Principal Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences in 2006.

Anne Foley is an Academic Liaison Librarian and has worked with students & staff in the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences & Humanities at London Metropolitan University for several years. Her research interests are in the areas of information literacy, digital literacy, problem-based learning & learning transfer.

Norman Ginsburg has been Professor of Social Policy at London Metropolitan University since 1996. His research interests are the comparative impact of social policy on social injustice and inequality, and the social effects of urban regeneration and housing policy. He is the author of Divisions of Welfare: An Introduction to Comparative Social Policy, Sage (1992). Recent publications include articles on globalization and the liberal welfare states, social policy in Sweden, social aspects of urban regeneration, the privatisation of council housing, and on globalization and racism.

Dr Brian McDonough is Senior Lecturer and Course Leader of Sociology, and Associate Director of the International Centre for Community Development at London Metropolitan University. His doctoral research involved an ethnographic study of experts’ use of technology at work. His research interests include work and the use of information and communication technologies.

Dr Daniel Silverstone is Principal Lecturer and overall course leader for Criminology in the School of Social Science at London Metropolitan University His expertise is in the area of organised crime, drugs and the night-time economy and illegal firearms use. He has published widely in the field for a number of scholarly journals including, Global Crime, Criminology and Criminal Justice and Policy Studies.

Tara Young is a Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences at London Metropolitan University. She has expertise in qualitative research and is currently undertaking research into interpersonal relationships between gang members and their intimate others (e.g. partners, parents, carers, siblings). She has published academic papers on gang violence and the experiences of women in UK gangs (Young, 2009; Young, 2011) and completed studies related to violence against women, multiple perpetrator rape, and the role of the family in facilitating gang membership, criminality and desistance.