Policy Press

Exploring the World of Social Policy

An International Approach

By Michael Hill and Zoë Irving

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

252 pages

ISBN

978-1447335009

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

252 pages

ISBN

978-1447334996

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

252 pages

ISBN

978-1447335016

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

252 pages

ISBN

978-1447335016

Dimensions

Imprint

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?