An Introduction to Social Policy explores essential welfare topics, themes and issues for students studying social policy or related disciplines such as sociology, social work, or nursing and social care.
– Part One examines key concepts including welfare, social justice, diversity and health and well-being.
– Part Two explores policy issues in relation to key stages of the lifecourse.
– Part Three takes a comparative perspective, discussing the international issues and supranational bodies that impact on British and European social policy today.
The concise chapters define the key terms and outline the central debates, giving students a fundamental foundation for their degree. Chapter overviews and summaries guide readers through the book, and questions for reflection conclude each chapter to test readers′ knowledge.
This book is essential reading for all students of social policy and the social sciences, as well as those taking joint honours programmes in social work, sociology, criminology, politics and social care.
Peter Dwyer is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Salford.
Sandra Shaw is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Salford.
Table of Content
About the Editors and Contributors
List of Acronyms
Editors′ Introduction
PART ONE: KEY CONCEPTS
Welfare – John Hudson
Social Justice – Peter Dwyer
Social Exclusion – Mel Walker
Difference and Diversity – Mel Walker
Health and Well-Being – Margaret Coffey and Lindsey Dugdill
PART TWO: POLICY AND THE LIFE COURSE
Families and Children – Sandra Shaw
Young People – Sandra Shaw
Older People – Rita Haworth
Death and the End of Life – Karen Kinghorn
PART THREE: COMPARATIVE AND SUPRANATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF POLICY
Devolution in the UK – Karen Kinghorn
Comparative Welfare – Sandra Shaw
The European Union and Social Policy – Paul Copeland
Global Social Policy: Globalized Health Policy – Sandra Shaw
Social Policy and the Environment – Anya Ahmed
Index