Publisher Description

Social Policy: Theory and practice is a fully revised, updated and extended edition of a bestselling social policy textbook, extensively reworked and adapted to meet the needs of its international readership. The book lays out the architecture of social policy as a field of study, binding the discussion of theory to the understanding of social policy in practice. It aims to provide students and practitioners with a sense of the scope, range and purpose of the subject while developing critical awareness of problems, issues and common fallacies.Written in an accessible and engaging style, it explains what social policy is and why it matters; looks at social policy in its social context; considers policy, the role of the state and the social services; explores issues in social administration and service delivery; and focuses on the methods and approaches of the subject. For practitioners, there are discussions of the techniques and approaches used to apply social policy in practice. For students, there are boxes raising issues and reviewing case studies, questions for discussion and a detailed glossary.The book's distinctive, pathbreaking approach makes it invaluable for students studying social policy at a range levels, professionals and practitioners in the field of social policy.

Notes

3rd edition.

Author Biography

Paul Spicker is Grampian Chair of Public Policy at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. His research has included studies of poverty, need, disadvantage and service delivery. He has written widely on the theory of social policy, while his studies of practice have included works on housing management, dementia services and social security.

Table of Contents

Introduction: the nature of social policy;Part 1: Social policy and society;Welfare in society;Inequalities;Problems and responses;Needs and welfare;Indicators - quantifying social issues;Part 2: PolicyPublic policy;Welfare states;Principles and values;Strategies for welfare;Policy in practice;Part 3: Social administration:The organisation and delivery of welfare;Welfare sectors;The organisation of public services;Value for money;Service delivery;Receiving welfare;The administrative process;Part 4: The methods and approaches of social policy;Research for policy;Evidence and policy;Social policy for practice.

Review

"A highly informative, readable and authoritative introduction to the study of social issues ... It is thoroughly recommended for all those with an interest in the social policy field." Health and Social Care in the Community; "There is more food for thought here than in most introductory texts. It captures the very particular approach to the study of social issues that is British 'social policy', which is gaining ground internationally. It also gives really helpful advice to any student embarking on this rewarding journey." Howard Glennerster, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science; "Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social policy. This is not a usual textbook which just gives an overview of the subject, it invites and encourages readers to think and ask questions about studying and understanding social policy" Faiz Rasool, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology

Long Description

Social Policy: Theory and practice is a fully revised, updated and extended edition of a bestselling social policy textbook, extensively reworked and adapted to meet the needs of its international readership. The book lays out the architecture of social policy as a field of study, binding the discussion of theory to the understanding of social policy in practice. It aims to provide students and practitioners with a sense of the scope, range and purpose of the subject while developing critical awareness of problems, issues and common fallacies. Written in an accessible and engaging style, it explains what social policy is and why it matters; looks at social policy in its social context; considers policy, the role of the state and the social services; explores issues in social administration and service delivery; and focuses on the methods and approaches of the subject. For practitioners, there are discussions of the techniques and approaches used to apply social policy in practice. For students, there are boxes raising issues and reviewing case studies, questions for discussion and a detailed glossary. The book's distinctive, path-breaking approach makes it invaluable for students studying social policy at a range levels, professionals and practitioners in the field of social policy.

Review Quote

"Social Policy: Theory and practice comes highly recommended as a thorough and stimulating introduction to the field." Citizen's Income Trust

Feature

- new edition of successful textbook that has been fully updated and expanded- only general book on social policy written to be used and applied in different national settings

Details