The completely revised second edition of this highly respected textbook provides a comprehensive yet digestible and accessible introduction to the theoretical foundations, development and crucial areas of contemporary concern in social policy and welfare. Fully up to date, it provides a concise but thorough overview of the context for the provision of social welfare in contemporary Britain and beyond. Providing an integrated framework to highlight the relationships between theory, policy and practice, Introducing Social Policy examines social policy from a multi-disciplinary perspective. It therefore encourages a broad understanding of the importance of the subject within social policy itself, as well in social work, healthcare, education and beyond.
Authors and Contributors
Guided Tour
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction – What is Social Policy?
Introduction to Part 1
Part 1: Historical development of welfare
2. Welfare before the state
3. The Welfare State Years: Consensus and Conflict
Concluding comment to Part 1
Introduction to Part 2
Part 2: Contemporary welfare
4. A ‘crisis’ of the welfare state
5. Making Policy
6. The Governance of Social Policy
7. Welfare within a Fragmented State - Devolved Social Policy
8. Paying for welfare
Concluding comment to Part 2
Introduction to Part 3
Part 3: Theorising and Researching Welfare
9. Political theory, the state, and welfare
10. Ideology, the state and welfare in Britain
11. Doing Social Research
Concluding comment to Part 3
Introduction to Part 4
Part 4: Welfare themes
12. Health Policy
13. Social Care
14. Housing Policy
15. Education
16. Work and Employment Policy
17. Pensions Policy
18. Family Policy
19. Social Divisions and Equal Opportunities Policies
20. Crime and Criminal Justice
21. The Living Environment
22. International Social Policy: Globalisation And The European Union
Concluding comment to Part 4
References
Glossary of terms
Index
Biography
Cliff Alcock, Guy Daly, Edwin Griggs
