Social Policy: Themes, Issues and Debates

The thoroughly revised and extended new edition of Social Policy: Issues and Developments provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary British social policy, whilst acting as a complete learning resource for introductory courses and ultimately later modules of study.  Written by leading experts in the field, the text explores the major topics and areas in contemporary social policy, including health, housing, work, education, crime and criminal justice, and examines the socio-economic, political and governmental contexts within which social policy operates. 

It also includes extensive new material that fully addresses the historical, theoretical and contextual foundations of social policy, including a brand new discussion with regards to the foundations of welfare and social policy.  Prominence is given to contemporary issues, to provoke thought and draw comparisons between theory and practice; it will also cover all the essential service areas within a historical context.  Issues are addressed throughout in a lively and accessible style, and examples are richly illustrated to encourages the student to engage with theory and content and clearly see the relevance of social policy in our understanding of society. A dedicated companion website supports the text and adds further value for the student.

Social Policy: Issues and Developments is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in social policy and related courses such as criminology, health studies, politics, sociology, nursing and social work.

Social Policy: Themes, Issues and Debates provides a comprehensive, exciting and accessible introduction to the debates, controversies and challenges of contemporary social policy, both nationally and internationally. Thoroughly revised and extended, this edition retains its characteristic topical coverage but crucially now also includes extensive new material – including in two significantly expanded sections - that fully addresses the historical, theoretical and contextual foundations. This is a complete social policy learning resource.

Throughout issues are addressed in a lively and accessible style, richly illustrated with illuminating examples. All this encourages you to engage with the breadth and colour of social policy and see clearly its relevance to our understanding of society.

New to this edition

·        Brand new discussion of the foundations of welfare and social policy including the historical development of social policy and Conservative and Labour approaches to social policy since 1945

·        Additional new chapters on key areas of contemporary concern and interest including ‘race’ and children and families.

Main features

·        Each chapter is written by leading specialists in the field to provide informative, expert coverage

·        Comprehensive coverage of the major topics and areas in contemporary social policy, including health, housing, work, education, crime and criminal justice, ‘new’ social policy, Conservative and Labour parties’ approaches to social policy

·        Extensive international coverage with chapters on comparative social policy, the European Union, and globalization

·        Examines the socio-economic, political and governmental contexts within which social policy operates

·        Examines the main ideological perspectives and critiques that have underpinned the development of social policy

·        A wide range of in-text features help clarify, extend and apply your understanding of the fundamental issues - overviews,  policy examples, controversy and debate boxes, thought-provokers, summaries, discussion topics, annotated further reading and weblinks, and a glossary

·        Richly illustrated with tables, figures and cartoons.

To explore the online resources, please go to the dedicated companion website atwww.booksites.net/bochel

Social Policy: Themes, Issues and Debates is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in social policy and related courses such as criminology, health studies, politics, sociology, nursing and social work. It will also be valuable to students taking relevant A-level, BTEC or Access courses.

Catherine Bochel is Principal Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Lincoln. Hugh Bochel is Professor of Public Policy at the University of Lincoln. Robert Page is Reader in Democratic Socialism at the University of Birmingham. Rob Sykes is Principal Lecturer in Social Policy at Sheffield Hallam University. All are well known and widely published in their field.