This book investigates different policy and civic responses to extreme poverty, ranging from food donations to penalisation and “social cleansing” of highly visible poor and how it is related to concerns of ethics, justice and human dignity.

Compares regional conceptions and variations of welfare in relation to national religious traditions across key parts of Europe. Using comparative case studies, the book examines the transition from research to practical policy recommendations, highlighting the similarities and differences between selected European countries.

A fascinating interpretation of the evolution of social policy in modern Ireland, as the product of a triangulated relationship between church, state and capital.

EPUB and EPDF available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence. Education systems and inequalities compares different education systems and their impact on creating and sustaining social inequalities.

This book presents the first collection of Robert Pinker’s influential essays in one edited volume, discussing the key concepts underpinning the study of social policy and the ways in which welfare theories and ideologies together with public expectations have shaped the political processes of policy making.

Leading scholars combine theory and case studies to reveal how elite corporations are increasingly influencing how public education provision and services are delivered across the world.

Based on the ‘rainbow model’ of the social determinants of health, this book examines the key factors which can lead to poor quality of life, homelessness and reduced mortality.

Through the perspectives of young people themselves, this book reviews changes in policy and practices that affected the generation of young people who grew up in state care in China during the last 20 years.

Leading scholars and practitioners from a range of backgrounds and regions use area-specific case studies to critically assess the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) project and its impact.

This collection brings together a diverse range of interpretivist perspectives to find fresh takes on the meanings of religion. Cutting across paradigms and traditions, experts from the UK, US, and India apply different approaches to engagement with beliefs and themes, including identity, ritual, and emotion.

A unique atlas giving a comprehensive picture of the effect of the recession on Britain. Essential reading for a broad audience with a national snap-shot of Britain during this time.

A timely and critical review and analysis of the development and implementation of New Labour's rural policies since 1997.