Policy Press

Understanding Human Need

By Hartley Dean

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

224 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

Browse the series

Understanding Welfare: Social Issues, Policy and Practice

ISBN

978-1447341987

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

224 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

Browse the series

Understanding Welfare: Social Issues, Policy and Practice

ISBN

978-1447342007

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Apr 22, 2020

Page count

224 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

Browse the series

Understanding Welfare: Social Issues, Policy and Practice

ISBN

978-1447342007

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
Understanding Human Need

This second edition of a widely respected textbook is one of the few resources available to provide an overview of human need, as a key concept in the social sciences. Taking an approach encompassing both global North and South, this accessible and engaging book models existing practical and theoretical approaches to human need while also proposing a radical alternative.

Incorporating crucial current debates and illustrations, the author explores:

• distinctions between different types and levels of need;

• how different approaches are reflected in different sorts of policy goals;

• debates about the relationship between needs, rights and welfare;

• contested thinking about needs in relation to caring, disadvantage and humanity.

Fully revised and updated, this new edition pays due regard to the shifting nature of welfare ideologies and welfare regimes. Offering essential insights for students of social policy, it will also be of interest to other social science disciplines, policy makers and political activists.

Hartley Dean is Emeritus Professor of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Introduction

Part One: Understandings and concepts

The needs of humanity

The thin and the thick of need and needing

Needs in theory

Needs in practice

Human need and social policy

Part Two: Implications and debates

Unmet needs and social disadvantage

Articulating needs as rights

The politics of human need