Social Policy in Britain

by Pete Alcock, Lee Gregory

Overview

In this fifth edition of the best-selling core introductory textbook, Pete Alcock and Lee Gregory provide a comprehensive and engaging introduction to social policy. Continuing with the unbeaten narrative style and accessible approach of the previous editions, the authors explore the major topics of social policy in a clear and digestible way. By breaking down the complexities behind policy developments and their outcomes, the book demonstrates the relationship between core areas of policy and the society we live in.
This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to cover the impact of Brexit and contains reflections on the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic for social policy. Each chapter contains comprehension activities to aid understanding, as well as helpful summary points and suggestions for further reading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350932715
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/19/2022
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x 0.66(d)

About the Author

PETE ALCOCK is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Lee Gregory is an Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, UK. He has been teaching social policy for almost 15 years and is the author of Exploring Welfare Debates: Key Concepts and Questions. His research interests include poverty and inequality as well as theoretical and conceptual debates about welfare provision.

Table of Contents

1.Introduction: The Development of Social Policy
Part I: Structures and Contexts
2. The State
3. The Market
4. The Third Sector
5. Informal Welfare
6. Devolution and Local Control
7. International and European Influences
Part II: Key Policy Areas
8. Social Security
9. Employment
10. Housing
11. Health
12. Social Care Services
13. Education
Part III: Theories and Debates
14. Ideologies of Welfare
15. Economic Development
16. Paying for Welfare
17. Social Divisions
18. Delivering Welfare
19. The Future of Social Policy
References
Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Clear and accessible…Suitable for social work and criminology, as well as social policy.' - C K Chan, Reader in Social Policy, Division of Criminology, Public Health and Policy Studies, Nottingham Trent University, UK

'It is clearly written for students on undergraduate social policy programmes – what it lacks are case examples to highlight contradictions in policy and general application to real life situations. This is important for social workers who are looking to apply these ideas to their practice.' - Des McDermott, Programme Co-ordinator and Tutor, Social Work, Ruskin College Oxford, UK

Editorial Reviews

This updated edition of Social Policy in Britain introduces contemporary and relevant issues in the field and skilfully locates them in historical, structural, and theoretical contexts. This reinvigorated textbook remains essential reading for social policy students at all levels of study.” —Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

“This newly-revised edition combines examination of core issues and contemporary developments with a deep appreciation of the foundations of the subject. Alcock and Gregory provide a comprehensive introduction to social policy in Britain.” —University of Cardiff, UK

“The fifth edition of Social Policy in Britain is a timely and essential update on the radically shifting social policy landscape. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students will benefit from the clear approach outlining the structures, context, mechanisms and 'mixed economy' of welfare provision in Britain.” —University of Stirling, UK

“The expansive nature of social policy presents a serious challenge for those seeking to do justice to foundational debates within the discipline as well as the latest conceptual and substantive developments. Social Policy Britain provides an accessible orientation to key questions, themes and issues underpinning welfare policy and politics in the UK today. It will be a valuable resource for educators and students at all levels.” —University of Leeds, UK

From the Publisher