Published
Apr 22, 2020Page count
252 pagesISBN
978-1447335009Dimensions
240 x 172 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Apr 22, 2020Page count
252 pagesISBN
978-1447334996Dimensions
240 x 172 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Apr 22, 2020Page count
252 pagesISBN
978-1447335016Imprint
Policy PressPublished
Apr 22, 2020Page count
252 pagesISBN
978-1447335016Imprint
Policy Press
Exploring the World of Social Policy
This bold new textbook represents a significant step forward in social policy teaching by combining comparative and global perspectives.
Introducing readers to a wide spread of international challenges and issues, the book shows how insights into policy can be generated using a comparative and multidisciplinary approach. Global in its canvas and analytical in its method, the book:
• explores the economic, social and political contexts of social policy;
• examines in detail its institutions and fields of practice;
• illustrates the field’s main ideas, themes and practices, drawing on a rich international literature and using pertinent and thought-provoking examples.
Authored by two highly respected and experienced academics, this book demonstrates the rewards of studying social policy from an international perspective by avoiding the constraints of a single-nation focus. Clear, authoritative and wide-ranging, it will be essential reading for students of social sciences taking courses covering social policy, social welfare and comparative policy analysis.
“This a brave book for our time when an existential threat to the world is upon us – when most predictions for the immediate future are dire….it has a message which must not be lost.” JCES Book Review
"A useful social policy book in teaching... it looks beyond individual countries and reaches further than the mature or developed welfare states. It is a book that both works at the state level due to data reasons, and criticizes this kind of an approach - it thus shows the complexities of social policy studies." Minna Zechner, University of Lapland
"Demonstrates the important international nature of welfare debates, situating readers in the wider world of social policy and facilitating a deeper understanding of the discipline."
Lee Gregory, University of Birmingham
"Global in reach and wide-ranging in coverage, the book presents valuable insights into how to understand social issues and the possible solutions social policy analysis may offer." Gyu-Jin Hwang, University of Sydney
"An excellent comparative overview that will introduce students to core areas of international social policy!" Jonathan Parker, Bournemouth University
Michael Hill is Emeritus Professor of Social Policy at Newcastle University.
Zoë Irving is Reader in Comparative and International Social Policy at the University of York.
Social policy and social progress: how can we explore the world?
Part I: Themes and perspectives
Inequalities and why they matter
Varieties of welfare
Policy processes
Part II: Policy domains
Income Security
Work and employment
Education
Housing
Health
Social care
Environment
Conclusion: a divided world of social policy?
