Social Policy and Planning for the 21st Century: In Search of the Next Great Social Transformation / Edition 1

by Donald G. Reid

Overview

The greatest problems facing humanity today are climate change, poverty, and the increasing separation between the rich and poor. The aim of this book is to examine the social constructions that have led to these breakdowns, and provide potential solutions that are based on a fundamental change in the structure of society and the values on which a new and better social system can be built.

Unless we as a society set a drastically different course soon, human life as we know it will suffer greatly, perhaps even cease altogether. Excess consumption is becoming anti-social as the effects of global warming and increasing poverty become apparent. What, then, will form the new social values on which society replaces the present emphasis on work and material consumption that now prevail? This book’s answer to that question is accomplishment and aesthetic consumption. This proposed refocused existence will necessitate a new economic order that provides access to a livelihood beyond the market system.

This groundbreaking book will appeal to students and scholars of sociology, leisure studies, political science, and social work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367876722
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/10/2019
Series:	Routledge Advances in Sociology
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Donald G. Reid is University Professor Emeritus in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph, Canada.

Table of Contents

Part I

1. Introduction

2. The Human Crisis

3. Culture and False Consciousness in Human Evolution

4. The Context for Policy Making

5. Planning Theory in Social Policy Development

Part II

6. Poverty and Marginalization in the Keynesian Welfare State

7. Beyond Poverty: Major Areas for Active Social Policy

8. Social Policy in the Developing World

9. Building Community

10. The role of Research in Social Policy Formation

Part III

11. Decentring Work: The Role of Meaningful Activity and Leisure in Social Policy Development

12. The Way Forward – The Great Transformation