Most analyses of globalization convey the message that it is an unstoppable force sweeping away national sovereignty and inevitably creating a brave new world of borderless and boundless consumerism. In such a context politics and democracy become irrelevant. This collection of essays develops a more critical and grounded analysis of the nature and implications of globalization. Many of the contributions to this book conclude that there are real political choices to be made. Even though the economic context has changed, politics still matters.

Social policy affects everyone and is everyone's business. Even if you do not receive welfare payments, directly or indirectly you benefit from government servides and funding. Yet how are policies and programs actually developed? Can social policy help us create a more just society? This book offers an introduction to the theory and practice of social policy making in Australia. Using detailed case studies, it covers: * the ideas and values which inform the social policy process * how different groups can influence policy making * how social policy making takes place in social and political organisations * the political nature of policy making Making Social Policy in Australia is the most up to date introduction to Australian social policy currently available, and is essential reading for students and practitioners in human and community service work and government. Tony Dalton, Mary Draper and John Wiseman lecture in Social Work and Social Sciences at Rmit, Melbourne; Wendy Weeks lectures in Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Melbourne and is author (in collaboration) of Women Working Together: Lessons from feminist women's services. Each of the authors has been involved in policy debate and development for many years.

As the risks of the climate crisis continue to grow, so too do the challenges of facing a harsh climate future with honesty and courage; justice and compassion; meaning and purpose. Hope and Courage in the Climate Crisis explores diverse sources of learning and wisdom -from climate scientists and activists; philosophers and social theorists; Indigenous cultures and ways of life; faith based and spiritual traditions; artists and writers -which can help us live courageous, compassionate and creative lives in a world of rapidly accelerating climatic and ecological risk. Accelerating the transition to a just and resilient zero-carbon society will require visionary leadership and courageous collective action. Awareness that rapid action might still be insufficient to prevent severe and irreversible social and ecological damage is however a source of deep concern for many people passionately committed to decisive climate action. Drawing on broad experience as a climate activist, researcher and policy maker John Wiseman provides a wide ranging, accessible and provocative guided tour of ideas which can inspire and sustain radical hope and defiant courage in the long emergency which now lies before us.

Globalisation was one of the most ubiquitous buzzwords of the late twentieth century, yet its meaning was often elusive. Retrenchments, trade alliances, global warming, currency devaluations, and so on are often explained as unavoidable consequences of globalisation, and even everyday things - from the food we eat to the television we watch and the clothes we wear - are apparently impacted upon by globalisation. This 1998 book provides an accessible exploration of the meanings and implications of globalisation. The discussion is carefully grounded in the changing social, economic, ecological, and political relationships of Australia. Global Nation? also looks at a range of existing and potential responses to the globalisation process, arguing that there may be alternatives, even though we are increasingly told that there are not.

Most analyses of globalization convey the message that it is an unstoppable force sweeping away national sovereignty and inevitably creating a brave new world of borderless and boundless consumerism. In such a context politics and democracy become irrelevant. This collection of essays develops a more critical and grounded analysis of the nature and implications of globalization. Many of the contributions to this book conclude that there are real political choices to be made. Even though the economic context has changed, politics still matters.

Social policy affects everyone and is everyone's business. Even if you do not receive welfare payments, directly or indirectly you benefit from government servides and funding. Yet how are policies and programs actually developed? Can social policy help us create a more just society?This book offers an introduction to the theory and practice of social policy making in Australia. Using detailed case studies, it covers:* the ideas and values which inform the social policy process* how different groups can influence policy making* how social policy making takes place in social and political organisations* the political nature of policy makingMaking Social Policy in Australia is the most up to date introduction to Australian social policy currently available, and is essential reading for students and practitioners in human and community service work and government.Tony Dalton, Mary Draper and John Wiseman lecture in Social Work and Social Sciences at Rmit, Melbourne; Wendy Weeks lectures in Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Melbourne and is author (in collaboration) of Women Working Together: Lessons from feminist women's services. Each of the authors has been involved in policy debate and development for many years.