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An Introduction to Social Policy
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An Introduction to Social Policy

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March 2013 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
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.

 
About the Editors and Contributors
 
List of Acronyms
 
Editors' Introduction
 
PART ONE: KEY CONCEPTS
John Hudson
Welfare
Peter Dwyer
Social Justice
Mel Walker
Social Exclusion
Mel Walker
Difference and Diversity
Margaret Coffey and Lindsey Dugdill
Health and Well-Being
 
PART TWO: POLICY AND THE LIFE COURSE
Sandra Shaw
Families and Children
Sandra Shaw
Young People
Rita Haworth
Older People
Karen Kinghorn
Death and the End of Life
 
PART THREE: COMPARATIVE AND SUPRANATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF POLICY
Karen Kinghorn
Devolution in the UK
Sandra Shaw
Comparative Welfare
Paul Copeland
The European Union and Social Policy
Sandra Shaw
Global Social Policy: Globalized Health Policy
Anya Ahmed
Social Policy and the Environment
 
Index

'A must read for any undergraduate Social Policy student! The depth and scope of topics addressed within the book is commendable'
- Jodie Croxall
Lecturer and Programme Manager for Social Policy, Swansea Universit



This book contains the relevant information to assist students in understanding the basics of social policy in preparation for more in depth courses.

Mrs Deborah Tatton
Social Work , Newcastle-under-Lyme College
July 14, 2016

This is an excellent book providing an overview of social policy in the UK and within a European and global context. At undergraduate level this book really hits the mark. Key subjects are covered well and offer a helpful springboard to further reading of the subject.

Mr Ian Michael McGonagle
Health , Lincoln University
December 11, 2015

Useful text, well organised and up to date issues discussed in a UK context.

Mr Gurpinder Lalli
Education , Wolverhampton University
July 7, 2015

A useful text to help student become acquainted with social policy concerns

Mr Stefan Brown
Department of Health and Social Care, Royal Holloway, University of London
December 8, 2015

The book provides an excellent introduction to the world of Social Policy. Part 3, in particular, offers students an accessible entry point to engaging with the question of globalisation.

Dr Stuart Cameron
Health and Community Studies, University of Bolton
February 27, 2015

This book is very interesting especially because of the clear division of thematic chapters. Taking into account the "life course perspective" in social policy should be assessed positively. Although this book takes into account almost mainly British experience and solutions it also includes important chapters describing the outline of the international social policy.

Mr Andrzej Klimczuk
Collegium of Socio-Economics, Warsaw School of Economics
October 15, 2014

This is an excellent introductory text on social policy. Complext concepts and terms are introduced in a very approachable manner and I believe students will find it highly helpful.

Dr Miyoung Oh
Department of Sport, Sheffield Hallam University
October 10, 2014

Excellent range of topics covered. Gives students an in-depth and crucial understanding of the context of social work

Mr Jon Old
Department of Social Work, Chichester University
August 3, 2015

With the parctice and procedures of criminal justice agencies now driven by the everchanging public policy decision makers, understanding how policy is developed and refined is vital to understand many of the debates in criminal justice.

Mr Ashley Tiffen
Institute of Policing and Criminal Justice Studies, University of Cumbria
August 14, 2014

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One: Welfare


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781446207598
£32.99

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ISBN: 9781446207581
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