Includes QR code.

Previous edition: 2014.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

This revised and expanded new edition provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary social policy and addresses its historical, theoretical and contextual foundations, as well as contemporary policy issues relating to health, education and welfare as well as the impact of Brexit. Divided into four parts, it opens with a survey of the socio-economic, political and governmental contexts within which social policy operates, before moving on to look at the historical development of the subject. The third section examines contemporary aspects of providing welfare, whilst the final part covers European and wider international developments. Issues are addressed throughout in a lively and accessible style, and examples are illustrated to encourage the student to engage with theory and content and to highlight the relevance of social policy in our understanding of modern society.