Abstract

The chapter therefore takes the following broad approach: it begins with a very brief
This chapter initially provides an outline of the historical origins and development of the academic subject of Social Policy to help understand the interpretations that have emerged in relation to social policies. That is followed by a consideration of the development of social policy as an area of government activity, in particular from the 1980s, with an emphasis on some of the key debates and divisions in contemporary society and politics. Finally, there is a further consideration of
the academic subject as it has evolved more recently.