The fifth edition of Michael Hill's Understanding Social Policy is a substantial revision of this very successful text. It remains a clear and comprehensive introduction to the whole field as well as providing an assessment of its historical development.

This edition brings up to date all the relevant information. Taking full account of the dramatic changes to social policy which were initiated under the Conservative government in the 1980s, and which have continued to the present, this volume explores the contemporary trajectory of policy, as well as the ways in which a future government may change it.

Based on the view that those who study the subject need to consider the way in which policy is made and implemented, as well as to learn about the main policies and their limitations, this volume will remain an indispensable text for students of social policy, and for a wide range of 'practitioner-carers' in training.