Social quality : from theory to indicators / Edited By Laurent J G van der Maesen, and Alan Walker.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Maesen, Laurent van der.

Walker, Alan, 1949-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social policy.

Physical Description:

xiii, 322 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire : Palgrave Macmillan, 2012.

Summary:

This book provides the most up-to-date account of the concept of social quality. Developed originally as a response to the promotion of neo-liberal policies in Europe, the idea has been taken up and applied in China, East Asia and Australia. This book is the key reference point for the continuing spread and adoption of the concept and a major contribution to the search for alternatives to GDP as the barometer of progress. It develops the theoretical foundations of social quality and locates it within the main theoretical frameworks of western social science. It provides a clear account of the methods for measuring social quality, which includes the initial indicators developed by a major European research project. This includes an in-depth analysis of the four conditional factors of social quality: socio-economic security, social cohesion, social inclusion and social empowerment. Then it applies the concept of social quality to some of the most pressing policy challenges, including sustainability and the future of the European Union. Its theory, methods and compelling arguments in favour of social justice and human dignity are essential for students studying a wide variety of social sciences, and policy makers and general readers interested in creating a more socially just society. Book jacket.

Contents:

1 Introduction / Laurent J. G. van der Maesen Maesen, Laurent J. G. van der, Alan Walker Walker, Alan 1

2 European and Global Challenges / Laurent J. G. van der Maesen Maesen, Laurent J. G. van der, Alan Walker Walker, Alan 19

3 Theoretical Foundations / Wolfgang Beck Beck, Wolfgang, Laurent J. G. van der Maesen Maesen, Laurent J. G. van der, Alan Walker Walker, Alan 44

4 Conceptual Location of Social Quality / Peter Herrmann Herrmann, Peter, Laurent J. G. van der Maesen Maesen, Laurent J. G. van der, Alan Walker Walker, Alan 70

5 Social Quality Indicators / Peter Herrmann Herrmann, Peter, Laurent J. G. van der Maesen Maesen, Laurent J. G. van der, Alan Walker Walker, Alan 94

6 Socio-Economic Security / Dave Gordon Gordon, Dave 116

7 Social Cohesion / Yitzhak Berman Berman, Yitzhak, David Phillips Phillips, David 149

8 Social Inclusion / Alan Walker Walker, Alan, Carol Walker Walker, Carol 173

9 Social Empowerment / Peter Herrmann Herrmann, Peter 198

10 The Functions of Social Quality Indicators / Laurent J. G. van der Maesen Maesen, Laurent J. G. van der 224

11 Conclusion: Social Quality and Sustainability / Laurent J.G. van der Maesen Maesen, Laurent J.G. van der, Alan Walker Walker, Alan 250.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780230278523

0230278523

OCLC:

748328933

Online:

Cover image