Overview

Drawing on recent historical research, this book: reconsiders and challenges many long-held beliefs about the 'evolution' of social policy; presents a wide-ranging reappraisal of links between social theories and changes in social policy; pays particular attention to the importance of idealist social thought as an intellectual framework for understanding the 'welfare state'; and, has a distinctive focus on the importance of ideas in the history of social policy. Different ideas about the means and aims of social policy suggested by Individualists, Idealists and Fabian Socialists are examined in depth and their impacts on the world of social policy reassessed. Special consideration is given to the history of ideas in relation to informal care and voluntary action, as well as action by the state. This book provides a valuable framework that exposes many of the assumptions about the nature of 'welfare' and its future direction, making it important reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers in the field of social policy.

Full Product Details

9781847421487

Table of Contents

Reviews

Offer's account raises an important question about the relationship between the advocates of voluntary welfare and those of statutory provision. Social Policy John Offer's engaging and challenging book examines idealism in modern welfare. ... while [his] arguments are almost always judicious and well qualified, he seems to enjoy a flirtation with the bold. ... There is much to commend in this book. Twentieth Century British History John Offer's engaging and challenging book examines idealism in modern British welfare ... this is simply a good work on ideology and social policy ... It is often the case that existing personal opinions often find coherent form in a particular school of thought. Offer's qualified arguments and close readings never fail to miss this important point about ideas and social policy. Twentieth Century British History John Offer's challenging new book on the development of ideas about social policy in the nineteenth century will be essential reading for teachers, students and researchers with interests in the field of social welfare theory. Robert Pinker, Emeritus Professor of Social Administration, London School of Economics

Author Information

John Offer is Professor of Social Theory and Policy in the School of Policy Studies at the University of Ulster, Coleraine. His main research interests are the history of ideas in respect of UK social policy, the social theory of Herbert Spencer, informal care and voluntary action, and the sociology of professional interventions in everyday social life.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available