Introduction to Social Problems: Issues in Social Policy

The study of social problems is a major theme in undergraduate programmes in social policy, sociology and professional courses in health and social care. It also forms a key element of assessment in many applied social studies programmes. Understanding Social Problems looks at the key social problems confronting contemporary society, ranging from child poverty and divorce to community safety and drug abuse. Each chapter is written by an expert in that particular field. Contributors examine how social problems have been conceptualized within sociology and social policy and the varying approaches of policy analysts. The book includes substantive studies of current and emerging issues and explores the role of the media in the presentation and discussion of social problems and policy responses. It also highlights the links between the analysis of social problems and policy formation. Accessible, student-friendly, and with a range of helpful pedagogical tools, Understanding Social Problems fills an important gap in the textbook literature.

Table of Contents:
List of Figures. List of Tables. About the Contributors. Guide to the Book. Social Problems in Social Policy: An Introduction: Margaret May (London Guildhall University), Robert Page (University of Leicester) and Edward Brunsdon (London Guildhall University. Part I: Studying Social Problems:1. Social Problems: Sociological Perspectives: John Clarke (Open University). 2. The Exploration of Social Problems in the Field of Social Policy: Robert Page (University of Leicester). Part II: Social Policy, Social Problems:The Family: 3. Family Change and Lone Parents as a Social Problem: Jane Lewis (University of Oxford). 4. Caring and Dependency: Age and Disability: John Baldock (University of Kent at Canterbury). 5. Domestic Violence: Lorraine Radford (University of Surrey). Poverty and Social Exclusion: 6. The Changing Face of Poverty: David Donnison (Glasgow University). 7. Child Poverty and the Policy Response: Karen Rowlingson (University of Bath). 8. Homelessness: Mark Liddiard (University of Kent). 9. Income and Wealth: Paul Spicker (University of Dundee). Health: 10. Health Inequalities: Helen Jones (Goldsmiths College, University of London). 11. Mental Disorder: Pauline Prior (Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland). 12. Problematic Identities and Health: David Kelleher (London Guildhall University). Community Problems: 13. The Problematic Community: Susanne MacGregor (Middlesex University, London). 14. Safe and Sound? Crime, Disorder and Community Safety: Dee Cook (University of Wolverhampton). 15. Drugs and Drug Misuse: Arthur Gould (Loughborough University). Part III: Reporting Social Problems:16. Press-Ganged! Media Reporting of Social Work and Child Abuse: Bob Franklin (Sheffield University) and Nigel Parton (University of Huddersfield). 17. Defrauding the Community? The Abuse of Welfare: Hartley Dean (University of Luton). 18. Ways of Seeing: The News Media and Racist Violence: Eugene McLaughlin (Open University) and Karim Murji (University of Surrey, Roehampton). Part IV: Consumer Protection in Social Policy:19. Protecting the 'Vulnerable': Welfare and Consumer Protection: Margaret May (London Guildhall University). 20. Food and the Environment: Meg Huby (University of York). Index.

About the Author :
Margaret May is one of the editors of The Student's Companion to Social Policy (1997) and of the forthcoming Blackwell Dictionary of Social Policy (2001). Edward Brunsdon's publications include contributing to and editing The Social Policy Review (1996-1998) and studies of private welfare (in R Page & S Silburn (eds) British Social Welfare in the Twentieth Century (1999) and welfare management (in S Horton & R Farnham (eds.) Public Management in Britain (1999). Edward Brunsdon and Margaret May are Principal Lecturers in Social Policy in the Department of Sociology and Applied Social Studies at London Guildhall University. Robert Page is currently a Reader in Social Policy at the University of Leicester. He is the author of Stigma (1984) and Altruism and the Welfare State (1996). He is the co-editor (with Vic George) of Modern Thinkers on Welfare (1995) and (with Richard Silburn) of British Social Welfare in the 20th Century (1999).

Review :
"This is an excellent introduction to the study of social problems covering a wide range of contemporary issues utilizing theoretical perspectives and empirical data. The accessible student-friendly format will make this book of great value for students across the social sciences." Dr Michael Cahill, University of Brighton "This book is a most useful addition to the literature available to students" Professor Michael Hill, Goldsmith's College, University of London. "This new essay collection makes a distinctive contribution to the literature of British social policy...Justice cannot otherwise be done to 20 essays in a brief review but, taken together, they add up to an excellent volume." Community Care "Students...will find much to engage and encourage them in this book." Lester Parrott, North East Wales Institute.