"A good overview of the field for any interested reader . ideal for an undergraduate course." LSE Politics Blog "This is a most useful book, and it is good to have an updated edition." Citizen's Income Newsletter "Hartley Dean's introduction breathes new life into the study of social policy. Lively and entertaining, the book demonstrates the importance of social policy in tackling big issues affecting our lives today: health, money and relationships; poverty, the environment and crime. It provides a welcome reminder of what social policy offers for human wellbeing in the twenty-first century and should enthuse all students approaching the subject for the first time." Polly Toynbee "I am pleased to endorse this second edition of Hartley Dean's introduction to social policy. One of the most interesting aspects of that study is that it is constantly changing; and the book has been updated to reflect recent developments.

Nevertheless, the strengths of the original book remain; in particular Dean's passion for the subject and the enthusiasm that he inspires in his readers." Peter Alcock, University of Birmingham "In making the case for social policy as academic discipline and response to core issues, this book offers new insights. The international scope of the book is particularly valuable, as is its focus on recent developments at home and abroad. The reader will be instructed and impressed by this compelling assessment of the power and relevance of social policy in these turbulent times." Mary Daly, Queen's University Belfast.