The problem of homelessness is deeply emblematic of the sort of society Britain has become. What other social phenomena could better epitomise the end of modernity than our seeming inability to adequately respond to the most basic needs - shelter, warmth, food - of substantial numbers of our 'citizens'? Homelessness and Social Policy offers a dispassionate analysis of the problem of homelessness and the policy responses it has so far invoked.
By reviewing theoretical and legal conceptualisations of homelessness and presenting extensive statistical analyses, this book considers the impact of the experience of homelessness and the policy responses. Homelessness and Social Policy will prove to be invaluable to students of social and public policy, health studies, housing studies and sociology.

About the Author

Roger Burrows is Assistant Director and Nicholas Pleace and Deborah Quilgars are Research Fellows at the Centre for Housing Policy, University of York

Reviews

'Well-written and informative articles on all aspects of homelessness, with lots of useful statistics.' - Roof - Shelter's Housing Magazine

'This is unquestionably an important collection and will prove invaluable to academic researchers, policy makers and housing practitioners.' - Policy Studies

'In bringing together a very diverse but coherent collection of chapters, this book is important in informing and updating a subject area - homelessness - which is regrettably so relevant in Britain today.' - Sociology Vol 32:3 1998

'It is a good introduction to its field, covering many issues and aspects of homelessness and social policy.' - Urban Studies Vol 36 1999

'It provides, in one place, a compendium of some key research on homelessness and , through the authors' references, an access point to many other studies. Theory, empirical research and a concern for an important social problem are effectively integrated ... this is a book to recommend to all seeking an understanding of the interplay of social policy and homelessness in contemporary Britain.' - Social Science and Medicine Vol 48 1999

'Overall this volume offers a collection of recent research which is closely related to policy concerns and perceived public perceptions ... the book should be an essential addition to reading lists on homelessness.' - Housing Studies Vol 13:6 1998

'The authors of this book have provided a valuable service in drawing together work carried out on homelessness at the Centre for Social Policy at the University of York during the 1990s ... this book provides many positive ideas that could underpin more enlightened policies and practices and will, as the authors hope, "be of use to all those people who want to change things for the better".' - Community Care November/December 1998

Book Information
ISBN 9780415154574
Author Roger Burrows
Format Paperback
Page Count 284
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 530g