An Intellectual History of British Social Policy : Idealism Versus Non-idealism

The history of social policy is emerging as an area of growing interest to both students and researchers. This topical book charts the period from the 1830s to the present day, providing a fresh analysis of the relationship between social theory and social policy in the UK. Different ideas about the means and aims of social policy suggested by Individualists, Idealists, and Fabian Socialists are examined in depth and their impacts on the world of social policy reassessed. Special consideration is given to the history of ideas in relation to informal care and voluntary action, as well as action by the state. An Intellectual History of British Social Policy provides a valuable framework that exposes many of the assumptions about the nature of welfare and its future direction while reconsidering and challenging many long-held beliefs about the evolution of social policy.? The history of social policy is emerging as an area of growing interest to both students and researchers. This topical book charts the period from the 1830s to the present day, providing a fresh analysis of the relationship between social theory and social policy in the UK. Drawing on recent historical research, the book: · reconsiders and challenges many long-held beliefs about the 'evolution' of social policy; · presents a wide-ranging reappraisal of links between social theories and changes in social policy; · pays particular attention to the importance of idealist social thought as an intellectual framework for understanding the 'welfare state' ; · has a distinctive focus on the importance of ideas in the history of social policy.|The history of social policy is emerging as an area of growing interest to both students and researchers. This topical book charts the period from the 1830s to the present day, providing a fresh analysis of the relationship between social theory and social policy in the UK. Drawing on recent historical research, the book: · reconsiders and challenges many long-held beliefs about the 'evolution' of social policy; · presents a wide-ranging reappraisal of links between social theories and changes in social policy; · pays particular attention to the importance of idealist social thought as an intellectual framework for understanding the 'welfare state' ; · has a distinctive focus on the importance of ideas in the history of social policy. Drawing On Recent Historical Research, This Book: Reconsiders And Challenges Many Long-held Beliefs About The 'evolution' Of Social Policy; Presents A Wide-ranging Reappraisal Of Links Between Social Theories And Changes In Social Policy; Pays Particular Attention To The Importance Of Idealist Social Thought As An Intellectual Framework For Understanding The 'welfare State'; And Has A Distinctive Focus On The Importance Of Ideas In The History Of Social Policy. The Book Provides A Valuable Framework That Exposes Many Of The Assumptions About The Nature Of 'welfare' And Its Future Direction, Making It Important Reading For Undergraduate And Postgraduate Students, And Researchers In The Field Of Social Policy.--jacket. 1. 'virtue' And The Poor Law In Britain And Ireland In The 1830s -- 2. Spencer And A Liberal Road To Welfare : The Eclipse Of A Vision -- 3. Free Agent Or 'conscious Automaton'? : The Individual In Spencer's Social Theory -- 4. The Case Of Older People : Social Thought And Divergent Prescriptions For Care -- 5. Social Policy And Idealist Versus Non-idealist Thought : The Fundamental Schism -- 6. Idealist Thought, Social Policy And The Rediscovery Of Informal Care -- 7. Social Theory And Voluntary Action In Britain Since 1880 -- 8. Epilogue : From Poor Law To Labour's 'new Idealism'. John Offer. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 197-213) And Index.

The history of social policy is emerging as an area of growing interest to both students and researchers. This topical book charts the period from the 1830s to the present day, providing a fresh analysis of the relationship between social theory and social policy in the UK. Drawing on recent historical research, the book: ·reconsiders and challenges many long-held beliefs about the 'evolution' of social policy; ·presents a wide-ranging reappraisal of links between social theories and changes in social policy; ·pays particular attention to the importance of idealist social thought as an intellectual framework for understanding the 'welfare state'; ·has a distinctive focus on the importance of ideas in the history of social policy.

From a campaigning concept in the 1970s, direct payments - the substitution of cash for services - have become a key part of UK government social care provision. This book charts the change, critically evaluating progress, take-up, inclusion and access to direct payments by different user groups.-- Provided by publisher The history of social policy is emerging as an area of growing interest to both students and researchers. This text charts the period from the 1830s to 2005, providing an analysis of the relationship between social theory and social policy in the UK