Philip Mendes Livres

The book critically examines the values and assumptions underpinning Australia's social welfare policies, exploring the various factors and influences that shape these policies. Through a thorough analysis, it challenges conventional beliefs and invites readers to reconsider the motivations behind welfare practices in Australia. This revised edition provides updated insights into the ongoing debates surrounding social welfare in the country.

The BDS movement (boycott, divestment, sanctions) against Israel has gained traction and publicity worldwide for a decade. Yet here, Philip Mendes and Nick Dyrenfurth – two politically progressive commentators – argue that BDS is far too blunt an instrument to use in a such a complex political situation. Instead, they critically analyze the key arguments for and against BDS, and propose a solution that supports Israel’s existence and Palestinian rights to a homeland, urging mutual compromise and concessions from both sides.

Challenging prevailing Neo-liberal perspectives, this revised edition critically examines the foundational values of contemporary social welfare policies in Australia. The author questions dominant economic rationalist ideas and emphasizes the importance of social-democratic principles and welfare-state ideals, arguing for their continued relevance in current welfare debates. Through this analysis, the book aims to provoke thought and discussion about the future direction of social welfare in Australia and beyond.

Focusing on the dual roles of welfare states, the book advocates for a participatory and decentralized model that emphasizes social care over social control. It argues for empowering local communities and welfare service users, aiming to create a system that prioritizes humanitarian functions while fostering genuine support and engagement within society. This approach seeks to reshape the welfare landscape by promoting community involvement and addressing the needs of individuals more effectively.

This book challenges and revises existing ways of thinking about leaving care policy, practice and research at regional, national and international levels. Bringing together contributors from fifteen countries, it covers a range of topical policy and practice issues within national, international or comparative contexts. These include youth justice, disability, access to higher education, the role of advocacy groups, ethical challenges and cultural factors. In doing so it demonstrates that, whilst young people are universally a vulnerable group, there are vast differences in their experiences of out-of-home care and transitions from care, and their shorter and longer-term outcomes. Equally, there are significant variations between jurisdictions in terms of the legislative, policy and practice supports and opportunities made available to them. This significant edited collection is essential reading for all those who work with young people from care, including social workers, counsellors, and youth and community practitioners, as well as for students and scholars of child welfare.