Social Policy and Policymaking by the Branches of Government and the Public-at-Large

by Theodore Stein

Overview

An essential resource for students of social policy and social welfare as well as for social welfare practitioners and other human services professionals, this text examines the policymaking activity of the different branches of the American government and of the public-at-large as well as the interactions between the branches of government and the general public in the formation and implementation of social policy.

In addition to examining the role of the legislative and executive branches of government, Theodore J. Stein covers the often-overlooked role of the judiciary in policymaking. He addresses the ways social welfare practitioners should interpret (1) conflicting judicial rulings in cases where courts of equal jurisdiction rule differently on the same matter and (2) judicial rulings that signal significant changes in the law.

The book looks at politics, practice, and implementation and provides a historical background of social policy and social work practice plus a wealth of descriptive and analytic information concerning policymaking processes, specific social policies, and the effect of social policy on social programs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231116824
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	03/08/2001
Series:	Social Work Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	512
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.30(d)
Lexile:	1680L (what's this?)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Theodore J. Stein is professor of social welfare at the State University of New York at Albany.

Table of Contents

List of Tables
List of Figures
Preface
Part I
1. Social Policy: An Introduction
2. Social Workers and Social Policy: The Historical Context
3. Social Work and Social Policy: The Present Context
Part II
4. Social Welfare Policy in the Colonies and Early Nineteenth Century and the Discriminatory Treatment of Racial Minorities
5. Issues, Problems, and Agenda Setting
6. Policymaking
7. The Federal Budget Process
Part III
8. Poverty
9. Social Insurance
10. Programs of Public Assistance
11. Food and Housing
12. Health Policy
13. Civil Rights
Part IV
14. Social Services
15. Child Welfare
16. Education
Part V
17. Implementation
18. Policy Practice
Guide to On-Line Research
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Stein has written what may well be the most comprehensive text on social policy ever.... A superior primary text.

Journal of Teaching in Social Work - Charles Atherton

Stein has written what may well be the most comprehensive text on social policy ever.... A superior primary text.

— Charles Atherton

Journal of Teaching in Social Work

This text for students and professionals examines the policymaking activity of the different branches of the American government and of the public-at-large as well as the interactions between the branches of government and the general public in the formation and implementation of social policy. It covers the history of social policies from colonial times to the present which address such issues as poverty, public assistance, food, housing, health, civil rights, and child welfare. Stein (social welfare, SUNY, Albany) also discusses the ways social welfare practitioners should interpret conflicting judicial rulings and judicial rulings that signal significant changes in the law. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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