Amazon.com description: Product Description: Written from both the rational and political perspectives, the book describes the key role of social work and how it has been shaped by science and politics. A variety of methodological approaches are discussed, including program evaluation, needs assessment, and cost benefit analysis. Ethical and political forces are identified as they may relate to populations and groups at risk as well as to the steps taken to address problems.While many other books of this nature stress a historical and cultural evolution of policy and the helping professions, Social Policy Analysis is presented with a contemporary context of reason, politics, and ethics. Content includes the evolutions in the welfare administration under the Clinton administration, cost benefit analysis, and linking to operational and organizational levels.