Contributors. Preface. Acknowledgements. Introduction. Part I: What is Social Policy?1. The Discipline of Social Policy: Pete Alcock (Sheffield Hallam University). 2. The Approaches and Methods of Social Policy: Angus Erskine (University of Stirling). 3. The Role of Comparative Study: Margaret May (London Guildhall University). Part II: Values and Perspectives:Key Concepts: 4. Social Needs, Social Problems and Social Welfare: Nick Manning (University of Nottingham). 5. Equality, Rights and Social Justice: Peter Taylor-Gooby (University of Kent). 6. Efficiency, Equity and Choice: Carol Propper (University of Bristol). 7. Altruism, Reciprocity and Obligation: Hilary Land (University of Bristol). Key Perspectives. 8. The Neo-Liberal Perspective: David G. Green (Institute of Economic Affairs). 9. The Conservative Tradition of Social Policy: Robert Pinker (London School of Economics). 10. The Social Democratic Perspective: Michael Sullivan (University of Wales at Swansea). 11. The Socialist Perspective: Norman Ginsburg (University of North London). 12. Feminist Perspectives: Jane Lewis (All Souls College, Oxford). 13. 'Race' and Social Welfare: Waqar Ahmad (University of Bradford) and Gary Craig (University of Humberside). 14. The Green Perspective: Michael Cahill (University of Brighton). The Social Policy Concept: 15. Social Policy and Economic Policy: Ian Gough (University of Bath).16. Social Policy - Culture and Nationhood: Fiona Williams (University of Leeds). 17. Social Policy and Family Policy: Jane Millar (University of Bath). 18. Social Policy in a Shrinking World: Bob Deacon (Leeds Metropolitan University). 19. Social Policy and the Political Process: Michael Hill (University of Newcastle upon Tyne). Part III: The Production, Organisation and Consumption of Welfare: The Production of Welfare: 20. State Welfare: Norman Johnson (University of Portsmouth). 21. Private Welfare: Edward Brunsdon (London Guildhall University). 22. The Voluntary Sector: Nicholas Deakin (Birmingham University). 23. The Informal Sector: Clare Ungerson (University of Southampton).The Organisation of Welfare: 24. Managing and Delivering Welfare: John Clarke (Open University). 25. Central-Local Relations: Allan Cochrane (Open University). 26. Social Policy within the United Kingdom: Richard Parry (University of Edinburgh). 27. European and Supranational Dimensions: Linda Hantrais (Loughborough University). 28. Paying for Welfare: Howard Glennerster (London School of Economics). 29. Principles of Welfare: Ruth Lister (Loughborough University). 30. The Distribution of Welfare: John Hills (London School of Economics). Part IV: Issues in Social Policy: Social Policy and Particular Groups: 31. Social Policy and Children: Christine Hallett (University of Stirling).32. Young People: Bob Coles (University of York).33. Older People: Alan Walker (University of Sheffield).34. Disabled People: Mike Oliver (University of Greenwich). 35. Lone Parents: Jonathan Bradshaw (University of York). Service Based Issues: 36. Income Protection and Social Security: John Ditch (University of York). 37. Employment: Alan Deacon (University of Leeds). 38. Health Care: Judith Allsop (South Bank University). 39. Education: Miriam David (South Bank University). 40. Housing: Alan Murie (University of Birmingham). 41. The Personal Social Services and Community Care: John Baldock. Part V: Resources: Studying Social Policy: 42. Doing Projects in Social Policy: Hartley Dean (University of Luton). 43. Fieldwork Placements and the Social Policy Curriculum: Duncan Scott (University of Manchester). Learning Resources. 44. A Guide to the Literature: Robert M. Page (University of Nottingham). 45. Data Sources in the UK: National, Central and Local Government: Fran Wassoff (University of Edinburgh). 46. Other Sources of UK Data: Fran Bennett. 47. European and International Data Sources: Deborah Mabbett (Brunel University). 48. The Role of Computers in Social Policy: Millsom Henry (SocInfo, University of Stirling). Part VI: Careers in Social Policy: 49. Careers and Social Policy Graduates in the UK: Eithne McLaughlin (Queen's University). 50. Postgraduate and Further Training Opportunities: Francesca Peroni (University of Exeter). Glossary of Key Terms. Appendix: the Social Policy Association (SPA). Name Index. Subject Index.