This book is a tour de force of the theory and practice of social development and how to make a difference in an increasingly inequitable world. It strongly advances the emerging field of social development. Midgley reviews the historical, theoretical and philosophical ideas that underpin the social development approach and a set of social interventions that are widely advocated to promote both micro and macro social change. It is highly recommended for development scholars and practitioners around the world.

Leila Patel, University of Johannesburg

James Midgley has produced a landmark book which for the first time comprehensively defines and draws out the conceptual and practical dimensions of this elusive notion of ‘social development’. He underlines the profound significance of social development as an essential prerequisite for promoting balanced societal progress and human welfare.

Anthony Hall, Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics

This is by far the most important book on the theory and practice of social development. It deals with one of the least researched domains in contemporary social policy – the relationship between social policy and economic policy. A penetrating analysis and a powerful call for a reorientation of social policy studies.

James Lee, Professor and Dept Chair, Applied Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The Global South and North are increasingly aware of commonalities in their social development agenda. Midgley's up-to-date textbook covers all the essential issues recently highlighted, illustrates new thinking with wide-ranging cases and provides theoretical and historical insights into contemporary world poverty and development

Professor Mitsuhiko Hosaka, Nihon Fukushi University, Japan

...This is an important book that adds significantly to social development theory and practice. It provides excellent background for rethinking social development, the priority theme for the United Nations Commission for Social Development 2015-2016. James Midgley has once again enriched the social development knowledge base and produced a book that is a 'must read' for scholars, students, and practitioners in the field of development.

Lynne M Healy, School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

This book is a milestone in affirming the sincere commitment to achieve social development at household, national, regional and international levels. The overall impression of the book fills the reader with optimism that despite many challenges, progress has been made in that social development is now recognised as a distinctive approach for promoting social wellbeing, not only in the developing but also in the Western world... In all, the book succeeds in providing a convincing intellectual foundation for social development practice.

Professor Antoinette Lombard, University of Pretoria, Social Work

The book gives examples from around the world, a useful glossary, and an extensive bibliography. It provides lucid and challenging reading for policy makers, development practitioners, development courses at any level of higher education, missionaries, and those preparing to serve in social ministry.

Paul R. Dekar, Missiology: An International Review

Once again James Midgley provides an interesting book on Social Development. I have found the book particularly helpful in dealing with the relationship between social policy and economic policy.

Dr Bridget Ng'andu, Social Work, Ruskin College Oxford

It turns out not the subject area I teach. However, I've passed the copy to a colleague who is interested in Midgley's work.

Dr Raya Jones, Cardiff School of Social Sciences, Cardiff Univ.

Excellent book to gain an understanding of theory and practice

Julia Hope, Social Policy, Sociology & Social Rsch, Univ. of Kent

A thorough and insightful book which will be useful for dissertation students interested in this area.

Mr Luke Champion, Education , Manchester Metropolitan University

A strong text, written in a clear and concise manner for students. Key theoretical concepts introduced and explored to provide a good foundation for Health & Social Wellbeing students.

Mr Peter Leadbetter, Faculty of Health, Edge Hill University

Useful introduction to key concepts and history of social development theory and practice for students.

Ms Roma Thomas, Health & Social Sciences, Educ. Ctr., Bedfordshire Univ.

Excellent journey through key theoretical approaches and the practice of social development in its various forms. Draws the many threads informing the debate into a cohesive whole.

Ms Shan Ashton, Lifelong Learning, Bangor Univ.