Published
Feb 24, 2016Page count
208 pagesISBN
978-1447313922Dimensions
240 x 172 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Feb 24, 2016Page count
208 pagesISBN
978-1447313915Dimensions
240 x 172 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Feb 24, 2016Page count
208 pagesISBN
978-1447313939Imprint
Policy PressPublished
Feb 24, 2016Page count
208 pagesISBN
978-1447313946Imprint
Policy Press
Introduction to Social Policy Analysis
In this distinctive introduction Stephen Sinclair illuminates the subject of Social Policy by showing readers how Social Policy analysts think about welfare issues and policies.
From what influences the decision to have children to how everyday terms such as ‘youth crime’ or ‘poverty’ reveal the structural processes shaping society, the book illustrates the insights which Social Policy analysis offers to understanding the social world and its problems.
Written by an academic with extensive experience of teaching Social Policy analysis to new audiences, the book provides a stimulating introduction to the study of the factors and polices shaping wellbeing. Each chapter includes boxed summaries, applied examples illustrating key issues, and bullet points clarifying key concepts and theories.
"Analysing the subject in its challenging context, Stephen Sinclair engages the reader by freeing social policy from its service-straitjacket." Adrian Sinfield, University of Edinburgh, UK
"This well-organised and comprehensible book by a seasoned teacher of social policy analysis will be of enormous benefit to teachers, students, researchers, and social policy practitioners." Citizen's Income Newsletter
“Crystal clear in its descriptions, always challenging and engaging, and never longwinded, it comfortably fulfils its promise to “illuminate” welfare and therefore easily merits a place on any introductory Social Policy course's reading list.” Social Policy & Administration
"The great strength of this book is that it shows that social policy is a matter of politics and morality rather than technical solutions." Peter Taylor-Gooby, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK
“Instead of duplicating existing introductions, this concise book offers a truly personal and well-written discussion of key concepts that help readers grasp the nature of contemporary social policy analysis.” Daniel Béland, Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, Canada
Stephen Sinclair is Reader in Social Policy in the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Preface;
Introduction: Understanding Social Policy;
What Is A ‘Social Problem’? - The Social Construction of Welfare;
Who Benefits From Welfare? The Social Division of Welfare;
Who Is A Member Of Society? - Social Inclusion and Exclusion;
What Causes Social Inequality? - Social Closure;
Why Are People So Mistaken About Welfare? – Myth;
Conclusion: What Is The Point Of Social Policy?.
