To achieve a fair and just society with positive outcomes for all, there is an imperative to examine both the structural causes of poverty and inequality and the role that public services play in mitigating and reducing their impacts. A 'deficit approach' to the provision of public services has evolved in which services are designed to fill gaps and fix problems. This leads to individuals and communities becoming disempowered and dependent. An alternative lies in asset-based approaches. These change the relationship between the citizen and the state; between those supported by services and...

For those wishing to understand issues of homelessness, social exclusion and health at a local level by framing these issues in a global context. It expands notions of health by drawing on disciplines outside the fields of housing and health to better comprehend the ways that stigma, identity and urban geographies shape and present homelessness.

Domestic abuse is a global health and social problem. This edited volume considers Scottish responses in a wide comparative context.

In exploring the development of a human rights based approach to social care, Smith challenges the perception of human rights law and practice being the preserve of lawyers and demystifies human rights in a social care context.