This book argues that abusive punishments are particularly deeply rooted in authoritarian states and in some Western countries such as Britain and the USA, from which they have been exported over past centuries. The book surveys a variety of psychological, physically constraining, custodial, corporal and capital punishments. The implicit punitive content of judicial processes such as trial, as well as treatments such as behavioural therapy, may have as much psychological impact as more explicitly physical punishments.

This text provides a comprehensive and critical introduction to the relationship between social policy and social work. It examines a range of social policy sectors as they impact on the work of professionals in the particular fields of social work, social care, community care and residential care. Overarching issues such as the financing, organisation and delivery of welfare services, the relationship between social policy and social divisions, and key stakeholders in service provision are also discussed. It is a useful text for students and practitioners in the welfare field.