This volume is an edited collection of contemporary social policy debates argued between some of the foremost thinkers in the field of social work as well as prominent authors in other fields. The 18 debate topics included were selected to cover a wide range of professional interests in the field of social policy and are divided into three parts. The book stresses the importance of critical and independent thought in the educational process. Designed for anyone interested in social welfare policy, public policy and contemporary issues at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, the book features contemporary, up-to-the-minute debates by some of the top thinkers and policy analysts both inside and outside social work; and jargon-free debates that make the text easily accessible and interesting for students.