陈永杰 社会政策（英语）Lecture 1 What is Social Policy.pptxVIP

Social PolicyAn Introduction Lecture 1 Dr CHAN Wing-kit What is Social Policy The Beveridge Report Poverty and Social Policy Research Changing Social Context in China Rundown One of the academic social sciences Different to other areas of social sciences Based upon a distinct empirical focus – support for the well-being of citizens provided through social action It draws on the methods used and the understanding developed within these other areas of social science On the one hand social policy is an academic discipline, which is studied and developed in its own way. On the other hand, it is also an interdisciplinary field, drawing on and developing links with other disciplines at every stage and overlapping at various times with them. “Social policy” refers both to the activity of policy-making to promote well-being and to the academic study of such actions. What is social policy? What is the difference between them? A frequently asked question A controversial issue without any consensus Both are controversial academic disciplines or research subjects Both are concepts with various definitions How do you define public policy? How “big” is social policy? Social Policy and Public Policy Some academics (i.e. James Midgley; Pete Alcock) argue that social policy is a subset of public policy Social policy as such refers to a bundle of public policies that aim at tackling social issues A coverage perspective: social policy is defined by the policy areas it covers Government is the maker as well as provider of social policy In addition, some would argue that social policy is embedded with a clear value: to pursuit social justice. Social Policy and Public Policy Some others disagrees They believe that social policy is parallel to public policy It is true that they overlaps with each other However, a key difference is social policy is not merely made and provided by government Social policy could be made and provided by the Third Sector Therefore, social policy means