Introduction to the Social Sciences

Core Electronic Texts:

• Alcock, C. (2008) Introducing social policy. 2nd edn. Harlow: Pearson Longman.

• Albrow, M. (1999) Sociology: the basics. London: Routledge.

• Blakemore, K. (2007) Social policy: an introduction. 3rd ed. Maidenhead: OUP.

• Bochel, H. (2009) Social policy: themes, issues and debates. 2nd ed. Harlow: Longman.

• Cunningham, J. and Cunningham, S. (2008) Sociology and social work. Exeter: Learning Matters.

• Gabler, J. (2010) Sociology for dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

• Marsh, I. (ed.) (2006) Sociology: making sense of society. 3rd ed. London: Prentice Hall.

• Page, R. M. (2007) Revisiting the welfare state. Maidenhead: OUP.

• Powell, M. (ed.) (1999) New Labour, new welfare state? the 'third way' in British social policy. Bristol: Policy.

Core Printed Texts:

• Dominelli, L. and Campling, J. (1997) Sociology for social work. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

• Ellison, N. and Pierson, C. (2003) Developments in British social policy 2. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

• Fox, K. (2005) Watching the English: the hidden rules of English behaviour. London: Hodder.

• Haralmabos, M. (2008) Sociology: themes and perspectives. 7th edn. London: HarperCollins.

• Macionis, J, and Plummer, J. (2008) Sociology: a global introduction. 4th edn. Harlow: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

• Marsh, I. et. al. (eds.) (2009) Sociology: making sense of society. 4th edn. London: Pearson.

• Oak, E. (2008) Social work and social perspectives. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

• Smale, G.G. (2000) Social work and social problems: working towards social inclusion and social change. Basingstoke: Macmillan.

Reports:

• Rowlingson, K. (2011) Does income inequality cause health and social problems? [Online] Available at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/income-inequality-health-social-problems (Accessed: 26th October 2011).
  

Useful websites:

• Applied Social Studies Guide: Statistics Page - where to find statistics on the web.
• Applied Social Studies Guide: Government Websites - links to some of the most useful UK Government Departments for social work.

• Age UK
  

Age Concern is the UK's largest charity working with and for older people.

• Child Poverty Action Group

Child Poverty Action Group is the leading charity campaigning for the abolition of child poverty in the UK and for a better deal for low-income families and children.

• Government Social Policy Site

Communities and local government access to up to date policy direct from the deputy Prime Minister’s Office.

• Joseph Rowntree Trust

The following information is taken from the introduction to the website: "The Joseph Rowntree Foundation shares the hopes of its founder that 'to seek out the underlying causes of weakness or evil' should contribute to 'the right measures of human advancement' which over a period of time could 'change the face of England'. To this end, the Foundation supports programme of research and development in the fields of housing, social care and social policy. The Foundation's Trustees and Directors are also responsible for the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust".

• Mind

Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. It “works to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress”.

• Social Policy on the Web

Provides an introduction to social policy from both a UK and international perspective. It also includes resources on specific topics such as older people, mental health, learning disability, children, education, health, physical disability and criminal justice.

• Shelter

Shelter is an organisation campaigning for better housing for all.

• Refugees

The Refugee Council is the largest organisation in the UK working with refugees and asylum seekers.