Introducing Social Policy

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.

'This key text is one of the most wide-ranging, detailed and reader-friendly introductions to social policy available.'

Martin Powell, Professor of Health and Social Policy, University of Birmingham

'This new edition of a major textbook is usefully updated to Gordon Brown's Britain and provides a wealth of information and insight into the world of social policy, its theoretical concepts and the policy areas it covers. Students and practitioners will find it a reliable and stimulating guide.

Richard Parry, Reader in Social Policy, University of Edinburgh

'An accessibly written, broad-ranging, introduction to many of the key themes and issues in British social policy and social welfare. Students will enjoy its structure and approach to historical and contemporary debates.'

Saul Becker, Professor of Social Policy & Social Care, University of Nottingham

What is social policy? How does it affect each of us every day, in all walks of life, from the professional to the personal? How are welfare concerns and dynamics shifting in our rapidly transforming nation and twenty-first century world? Why does social policy matter? Introducing Social Policy ensures you can answer these questions.

The completely revised second edition of this highly respected textbook provides a comprehensive yet digestible and accessible introduction to the development, theoretical foundations 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.

Key features

• Covers all the key areas of social policy
• Discusses the historical, ideological and political context in which social and welfare policy has developed
• Fully and comprehensibly explores the theoretical underpinnings of social policy
• Explores in detail the changing contemporary context of social policy
• An accessible, stepped writing style introduces and contextualises the basics before moving to the next level

New to this edition

• Brand new chapters across the board with key additions on devolution, governance, the living environment, research and welfare, pensions and international social policy
• In-text features such as ‘Stop and Think’, ‘Discuss and Do’, web links and further reading ensure the material is engaging, relevant and brought to life
• Includes extensive coverage of less-traditional areas, including the development of family policy, social divisions, the criminal justice system and environmental policy
• Completely up-to-date coverage including: the early Brown premiership; new initiatives and changes, such as the need to build three million new homes by 2020; the separation of adult and children’s social care services; school academies and potential school leaving age changes; and ‘civil rights’ legislation
• Companion website including updates and questions on the latest developments in social policy and updated links to online resources. Visit: www.pearsoned.co.uk/alcock

`The book will be essential reading for undergraduates of social policy on dedicated programmes as well as related areas requiring a core social policy component, such as sociology, criminology, social work and nursing. It will also be of key interest for relevant A or AS level, BTEC or Access courses.

About the authors

Cliff Alcock was until recently Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at Coventry University

Guy Daly is Associate Dean in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Coventry University

Edwin Griggs is part-time Lecturer in Social Policy at the Universities of Birmingham and Wolverhampton

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.