The Politics of Civil Society
Big Society and Small Government
In the second, revised edition of this indispensable book, the author looks behind 'the mirror of power' to discover the reality of civil society - or 'Big Society', as it has become known.
Dark Secrets of Childhood
Media Power, Child Abuse and Public Scandals
This ground-breaking book explores the relationship between the media, child abuse and shifting adult–child power relations which, in Western countries, has spawned an ever-expanding range of laws, policies and procedures introduced to address the ‘explosion’ of interest in the issue of child abuse.
Continuing Professional Development in Social Work
This book offers a unique insight into the possibilities of CPD and the issues it presents for newly qualified and experienced social workers in practice. It offers possible directions for the future of post qualifying social work education, making it essential reading for practitioners, educators, managers and policy-makers.
The Political Economy of the Irish Welfare State
Church, State and Capital
A fascinating interpretation of the evolution of social policy in modern Ireland, as the product of a triangulated relationship between church, state and capital.
The Making of a Left-Behind Class
Educational Stratification, Meritocracy and Widening Participation
Despite the high aspirations of young people from disadvantaged communities, they face barriers that are frustrating the realisation of their educational ambitions. This book analyses the ‘left-behind’ phenomenon and explains how denied educational equality undermines social cohesion and what we can do about it.