Irish Social Policy: A Critical Introduction Second Edition

This textbook introduces social policy in Ireland, tracing its origins and development and discussing the wider theoretical debates and issues, including political, ideological, and other factors, key disciplinary concepts, and contemporary conditions and challenges, such as globalization, financialization, and Europeanization. It covers specific social-service areas and their development and current status (social protection, health, education, and housing); the position and treatment of different social groups, including children, carers, people with disabilities, older people, migrants, and LGBT people; and sustainable development and the environment in the context of social policy. It emphasizes the importance of class inequalities, as well as gender, age, ethnicity, and other factors in interpretations and views about the nature, development, scope, and impact of Irish social policy and the Irish welfare state. This edition reflects changes since the 2008 economic crisis. Distributed in North America by Turpin Distribution. Annotation ©2017 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
When the first edition of Irish Social Policy was published in 2009, Ireland&;s enduring economic crisis was only beginning to emerge. In the time since, nearly all areas of Irish social policy have been significantly affected, as policy makers have sought to combat the numerous, multifaceted social challenges posed by Ireland&;s economic downfall. Retaining the first edition&;s original structure and the same highly accessible style, this second edition of Irish Social Policy is fully updated and revised to reflect these dramatic shifts. Needs and risks associated with recession and economic precarity have escalated, while social services have simultaneously been forced to cope with significant cutbacks and restructuring. Changes in the landscape of policy making processes and policy drivers are also occurring, as are shifts in the politics and ideas underpinning Ireland&;s social policy. Particularly timely in light of these ongoing changes, this imperative book offers a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to social policy in the evolving Ireland of today.
This second edition of a highly successful textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to social policy in Ireland addressing a range of social policy topics of growing importance in contemporary Irish society including issues related to children, service users and groups, migration, ethnicity, sexuality and climate change.
This 2nd edition of a highly respected textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to Irish social policy. It provides an accessible, critical overview taking account of significant changes over recent years.The book is organised across four key sections:1: Traces the emergence and development of Irish social policy from its origins to the present2: Situates the Irish case in the wider context of the politics, ideology and socio-economic factors relevant to the development and reform of welfare states3: Analyses core social service areas with specific reference to the contemporary Irish context 4: Explores how social policy affects particular groups in Irish society including children, older people, people with disabilities, carers, new immigrant and minority ethnic groups, and LGBT people. Discusses the challenges posed by environmental issues and the importance of a social policy perspectiveText boxes used throughout provide policy summaries, definitions of key concepts, along with guides for further reading and discussion. This is a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying Irish social policy and allied subjects.