The Handbook of Social Policy

Social Policy--what does it mean, how is it developed and implemented, and what impact does it have on social services, health care, corrections, and other institutions? What are the political and other forces driving policy today? And what forces are emerging that will likely influence policy in the coming decade?

This volume addresses these issues and attempts to document the substantial body of knowledge about government social policies. Throughout its five parts, the handbook defines social policy, examines its history, discusses social services, explores the political economy of social policy, views American social policy in an international context, and speculates on the future of social policy.