The Students Companion to Social Policy The subject

The Student’s Companion to Social Policy The subject of social policy Chapter 1 – Pete Alcock

The study of social policy • ‘Social policy’ refers both to the activity of policymaking to promote well-being and the academic study of such actions. • Social policy is an academic social science, like sociology, economics or politics, using some similar methods • A distinct empirical focus – support for the wellbeing of citizens provided through social action • An academic discipline, which is studied and developed in its own right, but also an interdisciplinary field of study

The development of social policy 1 • Linked to development of the Fabian Society (itself linked to the Labour Party), in late nineteenth century • Critical analysis of the social and economic problems found in late-19 th century British capitalism – Campaigned for the introduction of social protection through the state • Drew on survey evidence from Booth and Rowntree

The development of social policy 2 • Other key foundations – 1905 Royal Commission on the Poor Laws (with minority and majority reports) • Webbs go on to found the influential London School of Economics, affecting subject of social policy – Liberal Government reforms 1906 -11 – 1945 -51 Labour Government establish a ‘welfare state’

A welfare consensus? • 1945 Labour – manifesto commitment to introduce state provision to meet major welfare needs – Beveridge (1942) had written about the ‘five giants on the road of reconstruction’ • Post-war consensus dubbed ‘Butskellism’ – Names of the Labour Chancellor (Gaitskell) and Conservative successor (Butler).

Theoretical pluralism: 1970 s • From ‘social administration’ [focus on the operation of existing welfare services] to ‘social policy’ [more general concern with analysis of the political and ideological bases of welfare provision] • New left, new right, new social movements – feminism, environmentalism, disability rights, anti-racism

Emerging issues: The Future of Social Policy • Strong shift in focus of from the ‘welfare state’ to the ‘welfare mix’ – State as a subsidizer and a regulator, as well as provider – who uses and benefits how access to such benefits is determined, or prevented – moving beyond the nation state to consider global forces and global actors • Emphasizes the overlap and collaboration with subjects such as sociology, economics, politics and law.

Some key sources • Bulmer, Lewis and Piachaud (eds), (1989) The Goals of Social Policy, Unwin Hyman, review the history of the leading department at the LSE. • The major work of Titmuss, undoubtedly the founding father of the subject, is now gathered together, with commentaries, in P. Alcock, H. Glennerster, A. Oakley and A. Sinfield, (2001) Welfare and Wellbeing, Policy Press. • The Social Policy Association produces an annual collection of topical essays, Social Policy Review, published by The Policy Press.