Social policy
Themes and approaches (Revised second edition)
- Author/Editor(s):
- Paul Spicker
- Format:
- Paperback
, 320 pages
, 240 x 172 mm
Other formats available - ISBN
- 9781847420626
- Published:
- 07 May 2008
£15.99 - List price: £19.99 You save: £4.00
North America customers can order this book here.
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
Review of 1st edition"The best book of its kind on the market ... brings together the institutional, theoretical and methodological aspects of the subject in an original and illuminating way.
Robert Pinker, Emeritus Professor of Public Administration, London School of Economics and Political Science
About This Book
The second edition of this classic text from acclaimed author Paul Spicker introduces students to the concepts and methods of social policy. It provides a sense of the scope, range and purpose of the subject while developing critical awareness of problems, issues and common fallacies. The distinctive and original book has been thoughtfully revised, extending beyond the updating of material to refinement and improvement of the book's structure. Divided into four parts, it explains what social policy is and why it matters; looks at social policy in its social context, including social structures, problems and needs; considers policy, the role of the state and the social services; looks at social administration and service delivery; and focuses on the methods and approaches of the subject, discussing the application of theory to practice, research and policy analysis.FeaturesRevised, enlarged and fully updated second editionProvides a thematic introduction to the concepts underlying the provision of social welfare and the processes by which welfare is organised and deliveredBrings an emphasis on theories, approaches and methods that complements other books in the fieldDraws on materials from a range of disciplines, including sociology, political theory and economics and public and social administrationStudent-friendly features, including case studies/dilemma boxes and questions for discussion in each chapter, a detailed glossary and student notesWritten in an accessible style, the book will be widely used by students of social policy, welfare and the social sciences across the world. It can be used both as a core text and as an essential complement to other reading and will be invaluable for students studying social policy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as students on professional courses in social work, housing and health studies.
Author Biography
Paul Spicker is Professor of Public Policy at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.Contents
Introduction: the nature of social policy Part One: Social policy and society: Welfare in society
Problems and responses
Needs
Part Two: Policy: Public policy
Principles and values
Strategies for welfare
Welfare states
Part Three: Social administration: the organisation and delivery of welfare: The provision of welfare
The structure of public services
Service delivery
Receiving welfare
Part Four: The methods and approaches of social policy: The methods and approaches of social policy
Research for policy
Analysing policy.
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