Social Policy
Theories, Concepts and Issues
- Michael Lavalette - University of Liverpool, UK
- Alan Pratt - University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
The Third Edition of this widely adopted textbook has been thoroughly revised and offers an authoritative and up-to-date coverage of the key theories, concepts, and issues in social policy. This lively and readable text has been designed to provide the essential tools to understand the main theoretical debates surrounding the discipline.
The book is organized into three sections:
Section One offers a detailed but accessible critique of major theoretical approaches such as neo-liberalism, Marxism, feminism and racism;
Section Two explores conceptual debates such as distributive justice and postmodernism;
Section Three engages with contemporary social policy issues such as children, pensions and the role of New Labor;
The new edition of also features newly commissioned chapters to reflect recent developments and current debates within social policy. New areas of consideration include citizenship; post-structuralism; the politics of food; and globalization.
Student exercises and reading lists feature throughout the text and practical examples are skillfully used to illustrate conceptual and theoretical material. Social Policy: Theories, Concepts and Issues is a core textbook for undergraduate social policy students, as well as those studying related welfare modules across the social sciences
The text provides a general introduction to social policy but also engages well in the theoretical aspects. This edition also provides a useful update to the earlier versions of the text. It to be recommended reading on the course because students in this module recap a number of key theoretical and conceptual elements of social policy and learn to reflect upon these in relation to voluntary and community sector organizations involved in the delivery of social policy.
This is a useful book, as it addresses central issues associated with social policy. The students have given positive feedback about it, probably because the level is appropriate for level 6 .
This is a good book that looks at social policy issues in various contexts. Due to the variety of discussions and concepts covered, it lends itself well to a variety of courses, and as such to social work.
This book has assisted students in their first year to understand the key concepts of Social Policy and how this is translated into societal action (or inaction!).
excellent clear and well developed work which allows the reader a solid overview of the issues.
This was a very intersting book. The majority of the sections within the book are pertinent to my learners syllabus. The level of the book is also just right as the content will be slightly stretching for them. The topics discussed in the book are relevant, contemporary and interesting. The political aspects of it are very good and identify some key areas relevant to current social policy. I will advise my learners who are going onto study Social work/social science to read this book and use for references and as a basis for improving their understanding of a range of areas. It will also form the basis for new, contemporary material I will teach in 2012/13. Overall, excellent read which is enjoyable and well presented.
An excellent and comprehensive coverage of the theoretical foundations for social policy analysis. Looking forward to a new chapter covering the coalition
Useful text, well organised and up to date issues discussed in a UK context.
This book is a must read for the Social Policy and Social Administration course that I teach. It is important as it provides the link between the theories and concepts in social policy. Easy to understand.
This text provides a brilliant introduction. It sets out in an accessible manner a wide range of theoretical approaches, debates and contemporary issues. This enables a clear link to be made between ideas and there impact on the practice context. In turn this helps reinforce the understanding of theoretical and policy issues by providing examples of how these issues play out in practice. The text captures the sense of debate and promotes critical thinking and awareness.
