Welfare, Exclusion and Politcal Agency develops key topics in social work and social policy relating to exclusion, social divisions and control in welfare. It provides theoretical tools for students, academics and professionals whose work involves them in supporting the political agency of excluded groups.

At a time when there have been profound shifts in the organization of welfare and the underpinning theories of the associated professions, the book tackles issues such as:

*the move away from publicly funded welfare

*the loss of a public service ethic

*reduction of input from professionals in policy

*loss of professional skills

*increase of bureaucracy.