What is social policy, and why are welfare systems important? How have they been affected by the global financial crisis?

The fourth edition of this well-respected textbook provides an excellent introduction to social policy in the twenty-first century. Expert contributors examine the development, delivery, and implications of welfare, as well as the social and economic context by which it is shaped. With numerous helpful learning features and an attractive two-colour text design it is an ideal starting point for students new to the subject, and for those looking to take their learning further.

The fourth edition includes three new chapters on the history and development of social policy, making social policy in a global context, and how to research and write about social policy. It is up-to-date with the coalition government's social policy agenda, and offers increased coverage of the important issues of equality, gender, ethnicity, migration, globalization and sustainability.

Social Policy is also supported by an accompanying Online Resource Centre with the following features:

- Updates on recent developments in the field
- Searchable glossary
- Web links

The origins, character, and politics of modern welfre systems
1: John Baldock: Social policy, social welfare, and the welfare state
2: Lavinia Mitton: The history and development of social policy
3: Nick Manning: Making social policy in a global context
The social and economic context of social policy
4: Lavinia Mitton & Mark Liddiard: Social need and patterns of inequality
5: Sarah Vickerstaff: Work and welfare
6: Jan Pahl: The family and welfare
The financial and organisational context of social policy
7: Jeremy Kendall: The role of the voluntary and community sectors
8: John Baldock: Paying for welfare: public expenditure decision-making
9: Nicola Yeates: Global social policy
Delivering welfare
10: Tony Fitzpatrick: Cash transfers
11: Sarah Vickerstaff: Education, schools, and training
12: Gillian Pascal: Health and health policy
13: Justine Schneider & Kezia Scales: Social care
14: Derek Kirton: The care and protection of children
15: Chris Pickvance: Housing and housing policy
16: Tina Eadie & Rebecca Morley: Crime, justice and punishment
17: Jochen Clasen: Comparative social policy and the European Union
Consequences and outcomes of social policy
18: Chris Pickvance: The impact of social policy
19: Hartley Dean: The experience of welfare: the life course and the welfare state
20: Lavinia Mitton: How to research and write about social policy

Edited by John Baldock , School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent

Lavinia Mitton , School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent

Nick Manning , School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham

Sarah Vickerstaff , School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent

John Baldock is Professor of Social Policy and Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Kent Nick Manning is Professor of Social Policy and Sociology and Head of the Institute of Mental Heath at the University of Nottingham Sarah Vickerstaff is Professor of Work and Employment and Deputy Head of the School of Social Policy, Sociology, and Social Research at the University of Kent Lavinia Mitton is Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Kent