Reflecting an emerging consensus that social justice is a primary mission of the social work profession, this innovative text provides a thorough grounding in policy analysis with extensive coverage of policy practice and a unique emphasis on the broad issues and human dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of social justice. Organized in four parts, the book introduces several philosophical perspectives on what constitutes social justice, and identifies the values and assumptions reflected in contemporary policy debates. Part I provides a framework for policy analysis and policy practice, as well as foundation content related to the structure and role of government in the United States. Part II offers a theoretical framework for determining when a personal disadvantage is considered a social problem. It then focuses on social problems that constitute widely shared risks, including poverty, physical illness, mental illness, and disability. Part III introduces theories of discrimination and oppression and explores the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including people of color, gays and lesbians, children, women, working Americans, and the elderly. Part IV offers a "Glance to The Future," examining emerging policy issues such as inequality, incarceration as a means of social control, globalization, and international governance.

In this pathbreaking study of foundation influence, author Joan Roelofs produces a comprehensive picture of philanthropy's critical role in society. She shows how a vast number of policy innovations have arisen from the most important foundations, lessening the destructive impact of global "marketization." Conversely, groups and movements that might challenge the status quo are nudged into line with grants and technical assistance, and foundations also have considerable power to shape such things as public opinion, higher education, and elite ideology. The cumulative effect is that foundations, despite their progressive goals, have a depoliticizing effect, one that preserves the hegemony of neoliberal institutions.

This book is designed for use in foundation policy courses at the master's level. It may also be appropriate for advanced students at the bachelor's level. Part I provides an introduction to U.S. social policy. [It] introduces a framework for policy analysis designed to help students examine social justice issues. Part II introduces a framework for determining when a society will develop collective responses to social problems. Part III introduces theories of oppression. Part IV closes the book with a focus on policy practice.-Pref.

Reflecting the idea that social justice is a primary mission of the social work profession, this text provides a thorough grounding in policy analysis -- with extensive coverage of policy practice and a unique emphasis on the human dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of social justice. Author Amanda Barusch introduces several philosophical perspectives on what constitutes social justice, and identifies values and assumptions reflected in contemporary policy debates. She makes policy personal, introducing people whose lives are influenced by U.S. policies, as well as those who have shaped these policies. Part of the Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series, FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL POLICY, 6th Edition, integrates the core competencies and practice behaviors outlined in the 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Updated throughout, it also features a new chapter on crime and criminal justice. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

For use as a text in foundations generalist social policy courses, either at the baccalaureate or master’s level, this book examines the process of defining need, analyzing social policy, and developing new policy. A clear philosophical base and a common theoretical framework underlie the discussion of each component of the policy process. Four themes are interwoven throughout the book: the importance of thinking critically about social policy, the benefits of using the strengths perspective in policy analysis and development, the critical role social policy plays in all areas of practice, and the absolute responsibility of every social worker to engage in policy practice. Routledgesw.com now contains 6 cases; the Sanchez Case has been revised to include much more policy content. Instructor materials include extra readings, PowerPoints, test questions, annotated links, syllabi, and EPAS guidelines.? The book is also customizable on Routledge Custom Gateway.

This new book for courses in social policy explicitly addresses the questions and dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of social justice. Organized in four parts, users develop a framework for analyzing policies and programs in terms of social justice and examine social justice from several philosophical perspectives. Poverty, health care, mental illness and addiction are discussed as well as theories of oppression and the challenges faced by populations that have faced oppression are addressed. The topics lead up to the policy practice of social work in the future.