This wide-ranging guide to key concepts and debates in welfare uses an innovative, question-based narrative to highlight the importance of theory to understanding social policy. It unpacks common questions and assumptions about the purpose, value and focus of welfare systems and provides students with a comprehensive vocabulary and toolkit for analysing policy examples and developing social science arguments.
Introduction;
What is welfare and why pursue it?;
Who recieves welfare support, and for what?;
Who should provide welfare support?;
Is universal provision sustainable?;
How does policy shape the experience of welfare support?;
Is the welfare state always in crisis?;
How does risk change the welfare state?;
Is social policy about control?;
Conclusion.
