Understanding Human Need

Dean, Hartley, Hartley Dean

• Publisher: Policy Press
• Year: 2020
• eBook ISBN: 9781447342007
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Social Policy
• Index: Politics & International Relations

This second edition of a widely respected textbook is one of the few resources available to provide an overview of human need, as a key concept in the social sciences. Taking an approach encompassing both global North and South, this accessible and engaging book models existing practical and theoretical approaches to human need while also proposing a radical alternative.

Incorporating crucial current debates and illustrations, the author explores:

• distinctions between different types and levels of need;

• how different approaches are reflected in different sorts of policy goals;

• debates about the relationship between needs, rights and welfare;

• contested thinking about needs in relation to caring, disadvantage and humanity.

Fully revised and updated, this new edition pays due regard to the shifting nature of welfare ideologies and welfare regimes. Offering essential insights for students of social policy, it will also be of interest to other social science disciplines, policy makers and political activists.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Detailed contents
• List of figures, tables and boxes
• Select glossary
• Acknowledgements
• Preface to the second edition
• 1 Introduction
• Part One: Understandings and concepts
• Part Two: Implications and debates
• Notes
• Resources
• References
• Index