Who Cares about Family Policy in the UK?

Illustration of three red figures and three blue figures in a tug of war over a knotted rope, symbolising the left-right political divide over family policy in the UK

This blog post is based on an article published in the Journal of Social Policy by Mary Daly. On the face of it family policy seems quite straightforward. The goal surely is child welfare, avoiding poverty, and supporting family well-being. Well, yes and no. In actual fact family policy raises quite profound and broad-ranging questions… Continue reading Who Cares about Family Policy in the UK?

Poverty is complex – should our policy responses be too? Moving beyond isolated policy solutions

A couple sits with an advisor reviewing documents together, suggesting discussion of finances, housing or social support.

This blog post is based on an article published in Social Policy and Society by Heta Pöyliö. Poverty is a complex issue that requires expansive policy responses. In my recent study published in Social Policy and Society, I find that policies with different functions can work together to reduce the risk of poverty. Specifically, policy… Continue reading Poverty is complex – should our policy responses be too? Moving beyond isolated policy solutions

Raising the Participation Age: Participation Without Inclusion?

Teacher supporting a student using a laptop in a classroom, with other learners working in the background.

This blog post is based on an article published in Social Policy and Society by Ben Collier. It has been 10 years since the final instalment of the Education and Skills Act’s Raising the Participation Age (RPA) Policy in England, introduced under the Education and Skills Act (Department for Education), which requires young people to… Continue reading Raising the Participation Age: Participation Without Inclusion?