Foundations of Social Policy: Social Justice in Human Perspective (with InfoTrac) - Hardcover

Barusch, Amanda S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0534567207 ISBN 13: 9780534567200

Publisher: Brooks Cole, 2005

Synopsis

Reflecting an emerging consensus that social justice is a primary mission of the social work profession, this social policy text explicitly addresses the broad issues and human dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of social justice. Organized in four parts, the book introduces several philosophical perspectives on what constitutes social justice, and identifies the values and assumptions reflected in contemporary policy debates. Part I provides a framework for policy analysis and policy practice, as well as foundation content related to the structure and role of government in the United States. The second part offers a theoretical framework for determining when a personal disadvantage is considered a social problem. It then focuses on social problems that constitute widely shared risks, including poverty, physical illness, mental illness and disability. Part III introduces theories of oppression and explores the challenges faced by populations that have faced discrimination and oppression, including people of color, gays and lesbians, children, women, and the elderly. The final part offers a "Glance to The Future," examining emerging policy issues such as U.S. labor policy and inequality, incarceration as a means of social control, globalization, and international governance.

About this title

About the Author

A native of California, Amanda S. Barusch completed her B.A. in Psychology at Reed College and her M.S.W. and Ph.D. in Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley. Her primary research and teaching interests are in the fields of social policy and aging. She has investigated topics ranging from interpersonal relations to international policy comparisons. She has published articles in leading North American journals and is the author or coauthor of seven books. Dr. Barusch joined the faculty at the University of Utah College of Social Work in 1985. She has served as Associate Dean for Research and Doctoral Studies (2003-2007) and Director of the Social Research Institute (1995-1998); and is now Associate Dean for Research. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work and is on the editorial board of the Journal of Poverty. She is a fellow in the Gerontological Society of America. Since June of 2007 she has also held an appointment as Professor of Gerontology at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, where she continues to serve on a part-time basis.

Edition details

• Publisher: Brooks Cole
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0534567207
• ISBN 13: 9780534567200
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 484