The social development approach seeks to integrate economic and social policies within a dynamic development process in order to achieve social welfare objectives. This first comprehensive textbook on the subject demonstrates that social development offers critically significant insights for the developed as well as the developing world. James Midgley describes the social development approach, traces its origins in the developing countries, reviews theoretical issues in the field and analyzes different strategies in social development. By adding the developmental dimension, social development is shown to transcend the dichotomy between the residualist approach, which concentrates on targeting resources to the most needy, and the institutional approach which urges extensive state involvement in welfare. The final chapter offers an institution-based synthesis in which governments coordinate market, community and state-sponsored development efforts to promote welfare for all. This incisive and accessible treatment of this important topic will be essential reading for all students in social policy, social work, development studies and public administration. `James Midgley has produced a comprehensive and much needed account of the theory and practice of social development. His many years of experience in the social development field... offers an integrated discussion which cuts across the international divide' - Anthony Hall, London School of Economics and Political Science `Among those committed to social development, none is better equipped than Jim Midgley to provide us with the first introductory text on the subject. Bringing his considerable scholarship to bear on social development issues, he presents a unique and knowledgeable perspective ' - Caryl Abrahams, University of Calgary `This book is the first of its kind, providing a comprehensive, incisive and refreshing analysis of social development and its contribution to the realisation of welfare objectives' - Edwell Kaseke, School of Social Work, Zimbabwe `In elucidating the meaning of social development, Professor Midgley expands considerably current thinking about the welfare state. His synthesis provides students and scholars with the most useful discussion of social development in the literature to date' - Harry Specht, University of California, Berkeley