Social Theory and Social Policy

Originally published in 1971 and now reissued with a new Preface by John Offer this book examines the historical origins, (both institutional and academic) of social policy and administration and the theoretical contribution of such key figures in the development of the social sciences as Marx, Spencer, Weber and Durkheim. It then analyses the application of normative theory in this field; examines the concepts of exchange and stigma in social welfare; and looks at the idea of citizenship and the use of the social services. In a final section the author presents a number of models of social welfare.

Robert (Bob) Pinker served his academic apprenticeship in Richard Titmuss’s department at the LSE from the late 1950s under Brian Abel-Smith and Peter Townsend, as a research worker and a higher degree student. Successive academic appointments followed at Goldsmiths College, Chelsea College and then the LSE, from where he retired in 1996 as Professor of Social Administration.