Pete Alcock is Professor of Social Policy and Administration at the University of Birmingham. He is the author of Social Policy in Britain and Understanding Poverty, editor (with G. Craig) of International Social Policy and editor of the Gildredge Social Policy Series. Angus Erskine is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Stirling and is a past chair of the editorial boards of the Journal of Social Policy and Social Policy and Society. Margaret May is Principal Lecturer in Social Policy at London Guildhall University. She is a past editor of Social Policy Review, editor (with R. Page and E. Brunsdon) of Understanding Social Problems (Blackwell) and (with E. Brunsdon) of Occupational and Commercial Welfare.

"A valuable resource for all who study social policy at whatever level – not only for reference and guidance but for stimulation, provocation and inspiration." Adrian Sinfield, Professor Emeritus of Social Policy, The University of Edinburgh "A reliable guide through the jungle of terms, concepts, institutions and reformers that make up modern social policy. The short entries serve as a handy reference for students and practitioners alike while the longer entries depict complex theoretical concepts in a most accessible and lucid way." Professor Lutz Leisering, Bielefeld University

• List of Contributors and Editors. Editorial Advisory Board.Acknowledgements.Introduction.Blackwell Dictionary of Social Policy A–Z.Index.