This text develops key topics in social work and social policy relating to exclusion, social divisions and control in welfare. It provides theoretical tools for students, academics and professionals whose work involves them in supporting the political agency of excluded groups. At a time when there have been profound shifts in the organization of welfare and the underpinning theories of the associated professions, the book tackles issues such as: the move away from publicly funded welfare; the loss of a public service ethic; reduction of input from professionals in policy; loss of professional skills; and the increase in bureaucracy. The book aims to open up the debate in social justice and anti-oppressive practice.

This text develops key topics in social work and social policy relating to exclusion, social divisions and control in welfare. It provides theoretical tools for students, academics and professionals whose work involves them in supporting the political agency of excluded groups. At a time when there have been profound shifts in the organization of welfare and the underpinning theories of the associated professions, the book tackles issues such as: the move away from publicly funded welfare; the loss of a public service ethic; reduction of input from professionals in policy; loss of professional skills; and the increase in bureaucracy. The book aims to open up the debate in social justice and anti-oppressive practice.

Social research plays an important part in the social sciences and in the planning and implementation of personal social services. Whilst considerable attention has been paid to the methods used to undertake social research, little has been done to explore the processes under which it is carried out. This volume explores the process of social research from an anti-discriminatory perspective. Contributors address themes connected to every aspect of social research from its design, through fieldwork to implementation of findings. Papers adopt critical perspectives to explore issues to do with many aspects of power and 'difference' in research including the power of black feminist research, issues in collaborative research, anti-discriminatory methodologies, quality of life in people with learning difficulties and participatory research. The book addresses many key issues which have been at the centre of current social debate and offers a unique contribution to the literature on research methodology. As such, it is likely to have a wide readership with both academic audiences and practice based welfare professions.

It has been noted by researchers from a variety of backgrounds that the dominant social research paradigms have frequently failed to represent the viewpoints of many marginalized groups. The authors of this collection confront this imbalance by looking at how issues such as ethnicity, sexual orientation and identity, disability, gender and ethnicity, and health and old age can be addressed in research conducted among groups who may often be the objects of research, but who seldom have control over what is said about them. Containing sections written by contributors from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and nationalities, the chapters explore ways in which issues of social diversity and division within the research process might be addressed. While considering whether this might be done through an emancipatory research paradigm, the book also examines the philosophical tenets and methodological implications of such an approach.

This edited collection addresses theoretical, political and practical aspects of the connection between external immigration controls and internal welfare controls. It considers the implications for the both those subject to controls and those drawn into the web of implementing internal welfare controls. Topics discussed include:
* forced dispersal of asylum seekers
* local authority and voluntary sector regulations
* nationalism, racism, class and 'fairness'
* strategies for resistance to controls
* USA controls.
The book provides support to those unwittingly drawn into administering controls, showing how the role of welfare workers as immigration control enforcers is not a sudden imposition but has exisited since the introduction of controls in 1905.
From Immigration Controls to Welfare Controls will provide a valuable resource for all those professionals who come into contact with the issues surrounding immigration.

It has been noted by researchers from a variety of backgrounds that the dominant social research paradigms have frequently failed to represent the viewpoints of many marginalized groups. The authors of this collection confront this imbalance by looking at how issues such as ethnicity, sexual orientation and identity, disability, gender and ethnicity, and health and old age can be addressed in research conducted among groups who may often be the objects of research, but who seldom have control over what is said about them.

Containing sections written by contributors from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and nationalities, the chapters explore ways in which issues of social diversity and division within the research process might be addressed. While considering whether this might be done through an emancipatory research paradigm, the book also examines the philosophical tenets and methodological implications of such an approach.

Social research plays an important part in the social sciences and in the planning and implementation of personal social services. Whilst considerable attention has been paid to the methods used to undertake social research, little has been done to explore the processes under which it is carried out. This volume explores the process of social research from an anti-discriminatory perspective. Contributors address themes connected to every aspect of social research from its design, through fieldwork to implementation of findings. Papers adopt critical perspectives to explore issues to do with many aspects of power and 'difference' in research including the power of black feminist research, issues in collaborative research, anti-discriminatory methodologies, quality of life in people with learning difficulties and participatory research. The book addresses many key issues which have been at the centre of current social debate and offers a unique contribution to the literature on research methodology. As such, it is likely to have a wide readership with both academic audiences and practice based welfare professions.

Evidence-based practice has become a mantra for the public services. Students of social work need to understand the contribution of research, as part of this evidence base, to effective practice. This textbook has a dual aim: both to introduce students to a range of research methods at a practical level, and to sensitise them to the political dimension of research (namely, how social problems, and perceived solutions to them, are constructed). The book thus offers an important critical framework for understanding how research can, does and should, inform professional practice. It is designed to speak directly to students' and practitioners' experience and is therefore grounded in relevant practice examples throughout.