Foundations of Social Policy

Written By Amanda Barusch

  • Title – Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series: Foundations of Social Policy (Book Only)

  • Subtitle – Social Justice in Human Perspective (5th Edition)

  • Author – Amanda Smith Barusch

  • Genre – Social Work, Social Services & Welfare, Social Policy, Arts & Humanities, Education, Public Policy

  • Type – Book

  • Publication Date – March 27, 2014

  • Publisher – Cengage Learning

  • Medium – eTextbook, Hardcover

  • Available at – Amazon

  • Link – https://a.co/d/2J0v03G

  • Synopsis – Reflecting an emerging consensus that social justice is a primary mission of the social work profession, this innovative text provides a thorough grounding in policy analysis with extensive coverage of policy practice and a unique emphasis on the broad issues and human dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of social justice. Organized in four parts, the book introduces several philosophical perspectives on what constitutes social justice, and identifies the values and assumptions reflected in contemporary policy debates. Part I provides a framework for policy analysis and policy practice, as well as foundation content related to the structure and role of government in the United States. Part II offers a theoretical framework for determining when a personal disadvantage is considered a social problem. It then focuses on social problems that constitute widely shared risks, including poverty, physical illness, mental illness, and disability. Part III introduces theories of discrimination and oppression and explores the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including people of color, gays and lesbians, children, women, working Americans, and the elderly. Part IV offers a "Glance to The Future," examining emerging policy issues such as inequality, incarceration as a means of social control, globalization, and international governance.

Cover image of the book "Foundations of Social Policy: Social Justice in Human Perspective" by Amanda Smith Barusch, available on Amazon, featuring a man lifting a child with the U.S. Capitol in the background.
Amanda Barusch

Amanda Barusch has worked as a janitor, exotic dancer, editor, and college professor. She lives in the American West, where she spends as much time as possible on dirt paths. She has an abiding disdain for boundaries and adores ambiguity. Amanda has published eight books of non-fiction, a few poems, and a growing number of short stories. Aging Angry is her first work of creative non-fiction. She uses magical realism to explore deep truths of the human experience in this rapidly changing world.

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