Social Welfare Policy in a Changing World (1st Edition) by Shannon R. Lane, Elizabeth S. Palley, and Corey S. Shdaimah

Overview

This user-friendly first edition text, "Social Welfare Policy in a Changing World," by Shannon R. Lane, Elizabeth S. Palley, and Corey S. Shdaimah, provides a critical analysis of social welfare policy in the United States. It emphasizes the connection between policy and practice, highlighting how social welfare programs impact the lives of individuals and communities.

Key Themes

• The historical development of social welfare policy in the U.S.
• The policymaking process and the factors influencing policy decisions
• Core social welfare programs and their impact on various populations (e.g., income security, healthcare, housing)
• The influence of social inequalities (class, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender) on social welfare policy
• Analyzing the effectiveness of social welfare programs and advocating for policy change

Features

• Employs a critical lens to examine social welfare policy, encouraging readers to question assumptions and consider alternative perspectives.
• Links social welfare policy to broader social, economic, and political forces.
• Provides case studies and real-world examples to illustrate key concepts.
• Uses clear and accessible language, making the book suitable for a broad audience.
• Offers helpful learning aids such as chapter summaries, key terms, and discussion questions.

Target Audience

• Social work students at all levels (undergraduate and graduate)
• Public policy students interested in social welfare issues
• Social welfare practitioners seeking to understand the policy context of their work
• Anyone interested in learning more about social welfare programs in the U.S. and the issues they address

Strengths

• Up-to-date coverage of current social welfare policy debates and challenges
• Emphasis on social justice and addressing social inequalities
• Focus on the link between policy and practice in the field of social work
• User-friendly writing style that makes complex topics understandable

Chapter Headlines (Examples may vary)

• Introduction to Social Welfare Policy
• Historical Foundations of Social Welfare Policy in the U.S.
• The Policymaking Process
• Social Welfare and Social Inequality
• Income Security Programs (e.g., Social Security, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• Healthcare Policy and Social Welfare
• Housing Policy and Social Welfare
• Social Welfare Policy and Children and Families
• Social Welfare Policy and Older Adults
• Social Welfare Policy and People with Disabilities
• Social Welfare Policy and Mental Health
• Evaluating Social Welfare Programs
• Advocacy for Social Welfare Policy Change
• The Future of Social Welfare Policy

Closing Paragraph

"Social Welfare Policy in a Changing World" equips readers with a critical understanding of social welfare policy in the U.S. By examining the historical context, analyzing policy impacts, and exploring issues of social justice, the book empowers readers to engage in informed discussions and advocate for positive change in the social welfare system.