An overview of developments in social policy and welfare, this text offers chapters on social security, education, health, housing and environment, and community care. The history and principles of British social policy are also included.

What are social policies? How are social policies created and implemented? Why do certain policies exist? The fourth edition of this highly respected textbook provides a clear andengaging introduction to social policy. The book has been thoroughly updated to include: Changes in social policy introduced by the Coalition government Incorporation of an international perspective throughout, as well as anew chapter: The global social policy environment Updated pedagogy to stimulate thought and learning Comprehensive glossary Social Policy is essential reading for students beginning or building on theirstudy of social policy or welfare. The wide-ranging coverage of topics meansthat the book holds broad appeal for a number of subject areas includinghealth, social policy, criminology, education, social work and sociology. "This textbook has always been a useful teaching resource because it combines substantial and engaging analysis with 'stand alone' extracts. The new edition adds a chapter on global social policy, updates on the Coalition Government and guides to what is in the book. The added activities are well thought out and can be adapted or expanded to suit the needs of particular students." Hedley Bashforth, Teaching Fellow in Social Policy, University of Bath, UK "Social Policy: An Introduction, now in its fourth edition and eleventh year, will remain a core social policy text on reading lists across the country due to its well written and comprehensive nature. Completely revised, it has been updated and extended to reflect contemporary developments in social policy, including the policy implications of the Coalition Government, and now includes a chapter on global social policy environments reflecting the continued internationalisation of social policy debates. Updated pedagogical features, which include activities for the reader, learning outcomes at the start of each chapter and detailed case studies throughout, enhance this thought-provoking and stimulating text." Dr Liam Foster, University of Sheffield, UK "This book provides, as it states, an introduction to the field and does so by adopting a highly attractive pedagogic style that evidences, at every turn, a sensitivity to the approaches to learning of contemporary students. Although it is tailored to meet the needs of primarily first year specialist students, it is equally suitable for those on other programmes who are taking an option in social policy. Because the book anticipates theoretical issues and debates and students will confront as they progress to a more advanced level, it will also retain value as be a longer-term reference resource. I will certainly be citing it on a second year core course I teach. It is immediately clear that a great deal of thought has been invested into designing this book. What Blakemore and Warwick-Booth have produced is a clearly laid out and well-structured analysis of impressive breadth that is a readily accessible learning instrument both for student and teacher. Importantly, it provides numerous opportunities to experiment with new ways of approaching the teaching of the subject. Each chapter sets out clearly expressed learning outcomes with a fair balance of theoretical and empirical concerns. Visual displays in box material, graphs and flow charts provides a most effective means for absorbing the large amount of ground covered. There is good incorporation of statistical material and up to date policy developments. Students are also encouraged to exploit useful links to internet and other media sites. Particularly attractive from a teaching point of view are the range of tasks set for the students which are aimed clearly at rapid capacity building. Chapters end by listing the key terms and concepts addressed to aid revision of material. This is repeated in the glossary at the end of the book. Most of the materials are derived from the British context, but there is also a secondary focus on EU member states and beyond, as well as a good chapter on global social policy." Steen Mangen, Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

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.

The completely revised second edition of this highly respected textbook provides a comprehensive yet digestible and accessible introduction to the theoretical foundations, development and crucial areas of contemporary concern in social policy and welfare. Fully up to date, it provides a concise but thorough overview of the context for the provision of social welfare in contemporary Britain and beyond. Providing an integrated framework to highlight the relationships between theory, policy and practice, Introducing Social Policy examines social policy from a multi-disciplinary perspective. It therefore encourages a broad understanding of the importance of the subject within social policy itself, as well in social work, healthcare, education and beyond.

In a political climate that is ever more focused on austerity and efficiency, it is crucial that those who advocate for, support, and implement social policy know how to analyze it and understand its effects, successes, and failures. This volume offers a clear introduction to social policy analysis, starting from the question of why social policy analysis is worthwhile, then moving on to how it can be used to consider approaches to a wide range of social welfare issues.

Providing a short and lively introduction for all students new to social policy, this text analyses how healthcare and education, jobs and money and even physical and emotional security are mediated through social policy.