First published in 1998, this volume offers some solutions to the inherent difficulties with moving from philosophical generalities to specific policies, by exploring how a bridge might be built between political philosophy and social policy analysis.

Part 1. Building a Bridge Between Social Policy and Political Philosophy. 1. Defining Terms and the Different Approaches to Social Policy Analysis. 2. The Political Philosophy Literature. Part 2. Individual Autonomy and Social Policy: Justifications from the Centre-Left and the New Right. 3. Individual Autonomy and Training Policy. 4. Individual Autonomy and Education Policy. 5. Individual Autonomy and Social Security Policy. Part 3. Equality and Social Policy: Justifications from the Centre-Left and the New Right. 6. Equal Opportunity, Training and Education Policy. 7. Equal Citizenship and Social Security Policy. 8. Equality of Resources and Community Care. Part 4. The Centre-Left and the New Right: Consensus of What and Why? – Dealing with Value Conflict. 9. Locating the Consensus and Non-Philosophical Reasons for It. 10. Value Conflict and the Centre-Left and New Right. 11. Concluding Remarks.