Social Policies and Social Control

"The text provides an explicit focus on a concept which cuts across policy areas and as such is an invaluable resource for students of social policy. But it also encourages the reader to consider how some of the changes to the presentation of social problems and the policy responses in turn shape how citizens perceive themselves, their communities, and the role of the state." LSE Review of Books

"A wake up call" Citizen's Income

“This very well edited volume offers a range of new and established voices in the field and presents a penetrating critique of new forms of social control across a range of social policy fields. Opening up new avenues for analysis, the book serves as a wake-up call about contemporary threats to welfare and social solidarity and should be widely read by students, academics, practitioners and policy makers.” Professor John Flint, Head of Department of Town and Regional Planning, University of Sheffield

“This unique collection asks important normative and evaluative questions about techniques used to ‘responsibilise’ citizens, illustrating vividly the wider implications of the ceaseless pursuit of moral welfare on arguably the most ‘vulnerable’ groups.” Dr Emma Wincup, University of Leeds

"This book is greatly to be welcomed. Examining developments in UK social policy during a period of deep crisis, the contributions to this volume remind us that 'welfare' is always and forever about politics, power and control." Professor Nicholas Ellison, University of York

Malcolm Harrison is an Emeritus Professor at the School of Sociology and Social Policy in the University of Leeds, and has published widely on social policy, housing, urban issues and difference.

Teela Sanders is a Reader in Sociology in the School of Sociology and Social Policy at Leeds, with extensive research, publishing and teaching experience related to gender, regulation, the sex industry and social control.

Part 1: Setting the scene;

Introduction ~ Malcolm Harrison and Teela Sanders;

Social policy and the new behaviourism: towards a more excluding society ~ Malcolm Harrison with Laura Hemingway;

Beyond protection: ‘the vulnerable’ in the age of austerity ~ Kate Brown;

Part 2: Policies, practices and implications in specific domains;

Welfare reform and the valorisation of work: is work really the best form of welfare? ~ Ruth Patrick;

Sanctuary or sanctions: children, social worth and social control in the UK asylum process ~ Ala Sirriyeh;

New Labour, the coalition government and disciplined communities ~ Andrew Wallace;

Young people, education, families and communities: marginalised hopes and dreams? ~ Doug Martin;

Choice, control and user influence in health and social care ~ Gabrielle Mastin;

Patient responsibilities, social determinants of health and nudges: the case of organ donation ~ Ana Manzano;

Nudged into employment: lone parents and welfare reform ~ Laura Davies;

Welfare reform and drug policy: coalition, continuity and change ~ Mark Monaghan;

Regulating social housing: expectations for behaviour of tenants ~ Jenny McNeill;

Part 3: Conclusions;

Concluding thoughts: the consequences of a ‘not-so-big society’ ~ Teela Sanders.