Dimensions of Social Welfare Policy

by Neil Gilbert

This text provides students with [a] theoretical and conceptual framework for analyzing the design of a wide range of social welfare policies. [This book] illustrates theoretical points by offering examples from a cross-section of program areas including income maintenance, child welfare, model cities, day care, community action, and mental health. The authors show how social theories and individual versus collective value orientations influence policies. The [book] include[s] a broad overview of ... recent policy trends in the advanced welfare states related to eligibility, finance, delivery, and benefit designs.

Genres: Social Work

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1985

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first textbook I've ever read in it's entirety. Has great framework and easy to understand

[Alcqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book that I read for one of my social work courses. I do recommend it if you are interested in learning more about policy in relation to social work practice.

[Selmoore Codfish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers an advanced area of social work. If focuses on political considerations in social welfare, and how policy affects the practice of social work. The authors balance many viewpoints on the issue.
This version of the text is out of date. Even though the historical development of social welfare policy is interesting for its own purpose, the text could be improved by showing how things have changed recently. Otherwise, it is left to the reader to do their own research on this.
The writing is often cumbersome. The writing is in an academic style that could be simplified. Often introductions of new sections dance around the concepts until finally making a thesis statement for the section. Also, the section titles are overly long.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book's pretty dense but presents a useful framework for analyzing policy in an effective and understandable way... once you get your mind wrapped around it and understand the complex examples presented.

[Carlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay for a school book. Not a very balanced POV, very liberal....