In this chapter, we outline the ways in which social policy in the modern world is integrally linked to the whole process of globalisation and invariably to its politics. In addition, globalising processes have contributed to widening gaps in inequality between the rich and the poor. For the purposes of this chapter we are directly concerned with the inter-relationship between globalisation and social policy and between globalised capitalism and social policy issues. The first part of the chapter discusses the role of global social and economic institutions. The second section is concerned with the uneven wealth and income distribution between rich and poor and between the majority and minority world. This is followed in section three by an examination of the part played by another key actor in the globalised economy and political sphere – transnational corporations (TNCs). The final section of the chapter looks at anti-globalisation movements, looking both at resistance in the minority (Global North) and the majority (Global South) world.
This chapter reviews the meaning and use of the terms race, ethnicity and racism in the context of British social policy. It outlines the shift from a 'race relations' policy discourse initiated in the 1960s to an 'ethnic integration' and 'community cohesion' discourse in the 2000s and 2010s. It then considers the ethnic composition of the population and the ethnic categories used by policy makers. This is followed by discussion of possibly the most important field for this topic, immigration and refugee policy, because it essentially involves racialised barriers to accessing the welfare state. This is complemented in the subsequent section by critical discussion of anti-discrimination measures. The remainder of the chapter deals with three major areas of social policy in which issues of racism and anti-racism have been prominent: incomes and employment, policing and the criminal justice system, and schooling. The chapter concludes that different elements of social policy pull in different directions in different contexts, both ameliorating and strengthening racial and ethnic divisions and injustices.
This thoroughly revised and expanded new edition provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary social policy and addresses its historical, theoretical and contextual foundations as well as contemporary policy issues relating to health, education and welfare as well as the impact of Brexit. Divided into four parts, it opens with a survey of the socio-economic, political and governmental contexts within which social policy operates, before moving on to look at the historical development of the subject. The third section examines contemporary aspects of providing welfare, whilst the final part covers European and wider international developments. The text explores the major topics and areas in contemporary social policy, for example: work and welfare; education; adult health and social care; children and families; crime and criminal justice; health; housing; race; disability; social care; and includes new chapters on class as well as comparative social policy. Issues are addressed throughout in a lively and accessible style, and examples are richly illustrated to encourage the student to engage with theory and content and to help highlight the relevance of social policy in our understanding of modern society. It is packed with features including ‘Spotlight’ ‘Discussion and review’ and ‘Controversy and debate’ boxes, as well as further readings and recommended websites. A comprehensive glossary also provides explanations of key terms and abbreviations. This is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in social policy and related subjects such as criminology, health studies, politics, sociology, nursing, youth and social work. The objectives of this Chapter are: • To outline the history of the European Union and the key stages of legislation that have been part of its development. • To examine the different structures and processes of the European Union, and the ways in which citizens, states and politicians contribute to the decision-making processes. • To assess some of the challenges that the European Union faces, including the threat of the eurozone crisis and issues with nationalism and Euroscepticism. • To evaluate some of the key areas of social policy in which the European Union is involved.
