This major new introductory textbook in social policy breaks new ground in arguing for the centrality of race, gender and class in welfare theory and practice. The book describes and evaluates the major theoretical perspectives on welfare, as well as the different strands of feminism and work on racism which are relevant to social policy. The author develops a new analytical framework for the study of the welfare state which takes account of factors deriving from capitalism, patriarchy, racism and the international division of labour. This framework is then used to re-examine the major developments in the history of the welfare state in Britain, from the nineteenth century to the so-called crisis of the welfare state today. Fiona Williams draws out the implications of her approach for current debates about welfare policy and strategy.Social Policy is an indispensable introductory text for all students and teachers of social policy and administration who want a clear, challenging and politically relevant approach to welfare studies.