'The pace of change and shifting debate in Britain makes social policy a fast-moving target and one of the most exciting subjects to study. The latest edition of this valuable textbook has been carefully updated and thoughtfully re-crafted to provide an introduction that is second to none.' - Hartley Dean, Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics, UK 'A clear and accessible introduction to the subject, this is an excellent guide to British social policy. Pete Alcock and Margaret May give strong insights into how the analysis of social policy has broadened in scope from focusing on the welfare state to taking into account the wider mix of welfare services. This edition provides students with new ways of understanding social policy, and guides them on developing their own ideas.' - Lavinia Mitton, Senior Lecturer in Social Policy, University of Kent, UK 'This fully up-dated edition of Alcock and May's textbook should find a place on the bookshelves of all students of social policy in Britain.' - Nick Acheson, Lecturer in Social Policy, University of Ulster, UK