Social Work and Social Policy: An Introduction / Edition 2

by Jonathan Dickens

Overview

An understanding of social policy is vital for engaging practically with social work values, and dealing with political and ethical questions about responsibility, rights and our understanding of ‘the good society’. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to social policy, tailored to the needs of a social work audience.

The new edition of this popular and accessible text analyses current policies and policy themes relevant to social work, and locates them in the context of fundamental social policy principles and debates. It discusses the nature of social policy and its relationship to social work, and covers essential themes such as:

- service user participation and involvement

- the balance between individual, societal and state responsibility for people’s wellbeing

- the interactions of the state, the private sector, voluntary organisations and the family

- the relationships between needs, rights and choices

- the purposes and challenges of professional social work

- the meanings of ‘equality’, ‘prevention’ and ‘personalisation’.

Each chapter ends with activities for reflection and analysis, and suggestions for further reading. Social Work and Social Policy is invaluable for students undertaking social work qualifying courses, all of whom are required to demonstrate an understanding of the social policy contexts of practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138017566
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/27/2016
Series:	Student Social Work
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	226
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jonathan Dickens is Professor of Social Work at the University of East Anglia, UK. He is the author of another book in the Routledge Student Social Work series, Social Work, Law and Ethics.

Table of Contents

Introduction Part 1: Core Models 1. What is Social Work For? 2. What is Social Policy About? 3. The Role of the State Part 2: Key Issues 4. Needs 5. Poverty 6. Rights 7. Inequality 8. Participation 9. Regulation Part 3: Current Topics 10. Prevention and Personalisation 11. Commissioning and Integration 12. Funding and Spending 13. Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

‘At last a social policy text of direct relevance to social work. This accessible, readable book addresses the challenge of analysing social work within a wider context. Refreshingly jargon free yet grounded in social work values, it usefully explores a range of topical issues of real importance to social work practitioners.’ - Robert Johns, University of East London, UK

‘This book provides a lively and refreshing re-examination of the relationship between social policy and social work. Students will find here helpful models clarifying different approaches to the policy practice interface. Key policy agendas are addressed, such as human rights, poverty, participation and inter-agency working, and their impact on social work. Equally important students and practitioners are encouraged to engage with policy-making and ideas.’ – Malcolm Hill, University of Strathclyde, UK

From the Publisher