Dynamics of Social Welfare Policy Right versus Left

This book examines ten key issues-poverty, taxation and the economy, health, criminal justice, child welfare, education, housing, elderly issues, civil rights, and global issues-confronting social work professionals and places them in their larger context. The introduction to each issue identifies its genesis or the reasons that the issue became a dominant theme in the policy-making agendas of Congress. The second and third sections of each issue provide actual arguments written and spoken by elected officials, both in the U.S. Congress and the presidency, representing liberal versus conservative viewpoints on the issues. By providing the actual text of the arguments and refraining from interpreting and biasing the political viewpoints of the legislators, the book enables students to critically evaluate each side of the debate and to become empowered to bring about change. The vantage point of Dynamics of Social Welfare Policy is that both liberal and conservative policy makers have good reasons for upholding their respective beliefs. Students are thus provided with the opportunity to learn about both sides. This knowledge will improve students' confidence when approaching policy makers and enhance their ability to be effective advocates. Understanding both sides of issues central to social work will facilitate the development of arguments and policy options that satisfy decision makers of either political orientation.

Gardenia Harris, Ph.D., MSW, is assistant professor at Illinois State University where she teaches social welfare policy and field practicum courses. Bernard Ivan Tamas, Ph.D., is assistant professor of politics and government at Illinois State University Nancy S. Lind is professor of politics and government and associate department chair at Illinois State University