A timely examination of social policy through a social constructivist and economic lens, Social Policy and Social Change illuminates the root causes of common social problems and how policy has attempted to ameliorate them. In so doing, the book focuses on how social policies in the United States can be transformed to promote social justice for all groups. The book uniquely offers both an historical analysis of social problems and social policies, and an economic analysis of how capitalism and the market economy have contributed to social problems and impacted social policies. The book goes beyond the U.S. borders to examine the impact of globalization in the United States and in the Global South. It considers the meaning and impact of the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States and explores the policy solutions his administration has proposed to deal with the economic recession of 2008-2009. The book also discusses social workers as agents of social change and advocates of social and economic justice. It examines five key realms: Poverty in families and the welfare system, poverty among the elderly and social security, child maltreatment and child welfare policy, health and mental health policy, and housing policy. Social Policy and Social Change is a primary text for social policy/social welfare policy courses in MSW programs and possibly some higher level BSW programs. It will be supplemented with a comprehensive ancillary program, including a test bank, instructor's manual, and student website.

Freedom of association, and the recognition of the right to bargain collectively, are not only fundamental human rights at work, but also vital elements of economic, social and political processes. Organizing for Social Justice takes account of the current trends in exercising these rights as well as the significant challenges that still remain in many parts of the world, particularly in today's global economy. The chapters are: Freedom of association and collective bargaining: The foundations for democratic development; From principles to practice: The challenges ahead; Organizing and bargaining in the global economy; Encouraging progress: Technical cooperation to strengthen and extend freedom of association and collective bargaining; Building on progress

This comprehensive study examines how labour administrations are coping with globalization, modernization, and political and financial constraints while also contributing to the economic and social development of their countries.