Irish Social Policy: A Critical Introduction

Description

This 2nd edition of a highly respected textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to Irish social policy. It provides an accessible, critical overview taking account of significant changes over recent years. The book is organised across four key sections: 1: Traces the emergence and development of Irish social policy from its origins to the present 2: Situates the Irish case in the wider context of the politics, ideology and socio-economic factors relevant to the development and reform of welfare states 3: Analyses core social service areas with specific reference to the contemporary Irish context 4: Explores how social policy affects particular groups in Irish society including children, older people, people with disabilities, carers, new immigrant and minority ethnic groups, and LGBT people. Discusses the challenges posed by environmental issues and the importance of a social policy perspective Text boxes used throughout provide policy summaries, definitions of key concepts, along with guides for further reading and discussion. This is a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying Irish social policy and allied subjects.

Dr Fiona Dukelow, Lecturer in Social Policy, School of Applied Social Studies, University College Cork, Ireland. Her research interests include critical welfare theory and various aspects of historical and contemporary Irish social policy. Dr Mairead Considine was previously a Lecturer in Social Policy at the School of Applied Social Studies, University College Cork, Ireland. Her research interests include social protection, pensions policy, social policy and welfare state change.

"This book by Considine and Dukelow ... covers an expansive range of key social policy issues in one volume ... A definite winner!" Irish Journal of Public Policy (review of the 1st edition) "The authors have done students of Irish social policy - those in Ireland as well as those outside - a service. They have composed a comprehensive, balanced and well-organised text that will earn it an enduring place in academic work on Irish social policy." Journal of Social Policy (review of the 1st edition) "Irish students of social policy are lucky to have this text ... [it] is a mighty achievement and an invaluable contribution." Critical Social Policy "This is the definitive textbook on Irish social policy. Its scope and scholarship make it essential reading for every student." Fred Powell, Professor of Social Policy, University College Cork "Irish Social Policy is an outstanding resource that addresses a wide range of areas of social policy in the Republic of Ireland. It is essential reading for students and professionals interested in the key issues affecting twenty-first century Irish society as well as understanding these in a historical context." Professor Bryan Fanning, School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin