Aims and Outcomes of Social Policy Research

Originally published in 1985, this book investigates, through real cases, whether independently funded research which was intended to solve social problems has had the desired effect. It also inquires whether civil servants believe that research has a part to play in the formulation of policy. The researcher's time scale is long and the policy maker's is short. Does this conflict always mean that the results of research are produced long after policy has been decided and implemented? The book also examines the funders of social research who make up the third party in the uneasy relationship between social scientists and policy makers. This important study goes to the very heart of the debate about social research.

List of contents

1.Is There Anybody Listening? 2. The ESRC and the Foundations 3. Research Management in Government 4. Interaction Between Research and Policy 5. Disappointed Hopes 6. Three Perspectives on Research 7. Research Models: Insiders, Gadflies, Limestone.

About the author

Patricia Thomas was Deputy Director of the Nuffield Foundation.

Product details

• Authors: Patricia Thomas, Thomas Patricia
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 15.07.2025
• EAN: 9781041066835
• ISBN: 978-1-0-4106683-5
• No. of pages: 120
• Series: Routledge Library Editions: Social Administration & Social Policy
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Education > Social education, social work; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Sociology, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / Social Policy, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Social Work, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Social issues & processes, Social and ethical issues, Research methods: general