This thoroughly 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. The text explores the major topics and areas in contemporary social policy, for example:

• work and welfare;
• education;
• adult health and social care;
• children and families;
• crime and criminal justice;
• health;
• housing;
• race;
• disability;
• social care;
• and includes new chapters on class as well as comparative social policy.

Issues are addressed throughout in a lively and accessible style, and examples are richly illustrated to encourage the student to engage with theory and content and to help highlight the relevance of social policy in our understanding of modern society. It is packed with features including ‘Spotlight’, ‘Discussion and review’ and ‘Controversy and debate’ boxes, as well as further readings and recommended websites. A comprehensive glossary also provides explanations of key terms and abbreviations.

This is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in social policy and related subjects such as criminology, health studies, politics, sociology, nursing, youth and social work.

Hugh Bochel is Professor of Public Policy at the University of Lincoln, UK.

Guy Daly is Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Coventry University, UK.