Written in a concise and accessible style by Michael Hill, this textprovides a coherent, thematic account of social policy in the modern world.

• Takes a comparative approach, considering the ways in which different countries approach social policies.
  
• Discusses the applicability of comparative theory in social policy
  
• Examines individual policy areas, including social security, employment policy, health services, social care and education.
  
• Provides a comparative exploration of current issues in social policy, such as the...

This book provides a much-needed introductory guide to the issues surrounding pension policy, not just in the UK but worldwide, and offers a critique of some of the dominant ideas and assumptions. Noting the intense debate that currently surrounds the subject, the book explores a wider view of the continuing issues about pension policy.It draws attention to an ideological 'fault-line' running through pensions policy, between a dominant view of pensions as deferred earnings on the one hand and a view of them as providers of an adequate income to enable elderly people to participate fully in...

This book draws together internationally acclaimed scholars from across the world to address the roles of public officials whose jobs involve dealing directly with the public. Covering a broad range of jobs, including the delivery of benefits and services, the regulation of social and economic behavior, and the expression and maintenance of public values, the book presents in-depth discussions of different approaches, the possibilities for discretionary autonomy, and directions for further research in the field.