What are the concepts and principles that underpin the design and delivery of social policies?
This thoroughly revised edition of a trusted text provides an authoritative introduction to the theoretical framework of social policy. Drawing upon the fields of politics, sociology and philosophy, the book offers analysis of the history and relevance of a range of core concepts such as equality, liberty, citizenship and power. It explores key ideologies of welfare, including Marxism, Feminism and the Radical Right, and presents critical perspectives on the nature of society and class. A...

This fascinating fictional account will introduce the reader to key ideas in social and political philosophy. It presents crucial skills of philosophical investigation in an accessible, rigorous and light-hearted way. The novel is funny, informative and entertaining, allowing the reader to experience often complex ideas from the 'inside' by using skills they will have acquired, unconsciously, from films, TV and novels. The reader will learn about freedom, responsibility, justice and fairness and see how these are played out in the different utopian futures of a range of socio-political...

Using an international and multi-disciplinary approach, this book provides a timely overview of the current issues in environmentalism and social policy. It explores many current debates, including: cities, housing and transport; citizenship and care; employment and green jobs; environmental governance and legislation; and globalisation.

Designed to address practical questions, applied ethics is one of the most exciting areas in contemporary philosophy. Yet the relevance of ethical theories to social policy has been under-explored. Until now. In "Applied ethics and social problems" Tony Fitzpatrick presents introductions to the three most influential moral philosophies: Consequentialism, Kantianism and Virtue Ethics. He then relates these to some of the most urgent questions in contemporary public debates about the future of welfare services. These include taxing unhealthy habits, drug legalisation, parental choice in...

The ancient moral philosophy of Epicureanism offers many valuable lessons for the modern world. How to Live Well updates and modifies Epicurean philosophy to offer an exciting new framework for contemporary social reform. How To Live Well provides a synopsis of the key facets of Epicureanism and offers a history of Epicureanism across the past twenty centuries.Fitzpatrick identifies the core criticisms of Epicureanism and compares it with Aristotelian thought. In light of these criticisms, he proposes a `new Epicureanism', based around four key subjects: liberty and freedom, justice and...

Environmental change is central to the global social policy challenges of the twenty-first century. This comprehensive Handbook brings together leading experts from around the world to address the most important questions and issues we face. How should welfare states adapt to environmental change? To what extent are the ecological and social policy agendas compatible? Must we contemplate radical reforms to the principles and organisation of welfare services? Combining cutting-edge theory and data in an interdisciplinary approach, this Handbook both summarises existing developments and...