Abstract

The social development approach seeks to integrate economic and social policies within a dynamic development process in order to achieve social welfare objectives. This first comprehensive textbook on the subject demonstrates that social development offers critically significant insights for the developed as well as the developing world.

James Midgley describes the social development approach, traces its origins in developing countries, reviews theoretical issues in the field and analyzes different strategies in social development. By adding the developmental dimension, social development is shown to transcend the dichotomy between the residualist approach, which concentrates on targeting resources to the most needy, and the institutional approach which urges extensive state involvement in welfare.
`This is an excellent and exciting book which makes a compelling case for social development. It more than succeeds in its objective of providing a comprehensive overview of the field of social development. Midgley has provided a wide-ranging and masterly synthesis of a diverse range of ideas and strategies and argued expertly for the advantages offered by social development. It is a book which deserves to be read by all who are interested in development studies, social policy and social work. It will be of value both to academics and practitioners who will find it both interesting and stimulating' - International Social Work

`Midgley's new book is a timely addition to social work literature in South Africa when the role of social work in reconstruction and development is being widely discussed and debated. Midgley's message is simple and clear: there can be no social development without economic development.... Midgley provides a comprehensive discussion of theoretical debates surrounding social development.... [a] valuable addition to our social work literature' - Social Work

`Systematic and thorough.... This book can be recommended for university Development Studies teaching' - Development Policy Review

`Indeed, an ideal textbook for students of social policy, social work and public administration as the cover notes argue, but is also a considered theoretical contribution to the debate..... Midgley's practical experience [shows] and the analysis is grounded and exudes common sense.... It tries to be even-handed and is certainly comprehensive. Midgley is probably more aware of Third World approaches than many mainstream Western writers' - Third World Planning Review

`[A] very solid treatise on social development.... It is a very tight package filled with fundamental information and written very well.... Midgley... has constructed an excellent book that will serve to enhance the dialogue and debate of this important perspective. Midgley's book, in less than 200 pages and encompassing an introduction and five chapters, manages to take his reader through what I think is an impressive, comprehensive overview of the social development perspective.... All of this is followed by a very extensive reference section that in itself is an added bonus.... Midgley's book is a significant edition in the social development literature, both for what it manages to bring together in a concise volume as well as for its readability... and one that brings a vital perspective to our current times' - Social Development Issues