Demonstrating the relevance of theory to political and policy debates and practice, this lively and accessible second edition helps students to grasp the real-life implications of social policy theory. It considers contemporary shifts in welfare ideologies in the context of global austerity and the UK Coalition and Conservative governments (2010 onwards). With a new chapter focusing on critical debates about disability, sexuality and the environment, this textbook also includes fresh reflections on migration, social security conditionality, resilience, social justice and human rights. Key features include: real-life examples from UK and international politics and policy to explain and illuminate the significance of social policy theory; key questions for student reflection and engagement; and bulleted chapter summaries and annotated further readings at the end of every chapter. This new edition is a dynamic, engaging and valuable introduction to the key theoretical perspectives and concepts deployed in social policy.
Introduction: Laying the groundwork
Part I: Theoretical perspectives in the political arena
Dominant post-war ideological perspectives
Critical Perspectives I: Marxism, feminism and anti-racism
Critical Perspectives II: Bringing disability, sexuality and the environment
centre stage
Part Two: Theoretical perspectives as an analytical tool
Post-fordism and postmodernism
Social control, regulation and resistance
Whats the Problem? Social constructionism
Part Three: Concepts (to be amended to Key Concepts)
Needs
Citizenship, human rights and community
Liberty, equality and social justice
Conclusion: Bringing it altogether
Ruth Lister is Emeritus Professor of Social Policy at Loughborough University and a member of the House of Lords. Kate Brown is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Criminology at the University of York. Ruth Patrick is Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of York.
