Understanding Human Need (Understan...
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This second edition textbook is one of the few resources available to provide an overview of human need, as a key concept in the social sciences. Taking an approach encompassing b…
Book Summary
Understanding Human Need by Hartley Dean is a comprehensive second-edition textbook that explores the concept of human need across social sciences. It balances global North and South perspectives, models practical and theoretical approaches, and proposes a radical alternative. Ideal for students and practitioners seeking a critical overview of need as a foundational idea in social policy and beyond.
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About Understanding Human Need (Understan...
In this fully updated second edition, Hartley Dean provides a rigorous yet accessible overview of human need as a central concept in the social sciences. The book examines how need is understood and measured in both global North and South contexts, drawing on theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Dean critically evaluates existing approaches—from basic needs to capabilities—and then advances a radical alternative that challenges conventional thinking. Designed for students and researchers, the text combines conceptual clarity with real-world relevance, making it an essential resource for anyone grappling with questions of welfare, social justice, and policy design. The book's dual focus on theory and practice ensures it remains a key reference for understanding how human need shapes social research and intervention.
Who should read Understanding Human Need (Understan...?
This book is essential for undergraduate and postgraduate students in social policy, sociology, development studies, and related social sciences. It is also valuable for practitioners and policymakers working in welfare, international development, and social justice who need a critical understanding of human need. Researchers seeking a comprehensive overview of theoretical and practical approaches will find it indispensable. Additionally, anyone interested in the philosophical and ethical foundations of social provision will benefit from Dean's accessible yet rigorous analysis.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Provides a comprehensive overview of human need as a key concept in social sciences.
- ✓ Balances perspectives from both global North and South, offering a truly international approach.
- ✓ Critically evaluates existing theoretical and practical models of human need.
- ✓ Proposes a radical alternative that stimulates new thinking and debate.
- ✓ Written in an accessible style suitable for students and practitioners alike.
Cons
- ✗ Some readers may find the theoretical sections dense and challenging.
- ✗ The radical alternative proposed may be controversial and not universally accepted.
- ✗ Limited focus on specific policy applications in certain regions.
- ✗ Assumes some prior knowledge of social science concepts.
- ✗ The second edition may not include the very latest developments in the field.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for self-study?
Yes, the book is written in an accessible style with clear explanations, making it suitable for self-study, though some background in social sciences is helpful.
Does the book cover both theoretical and practical aspects?
Absolutely. It models existing theoretical approaches and also discusses practical applications, bridging the gap between concept and practice.
What is the radical alternative proposed in the book?
Dean proposes a radical alternative that challenges conventional understandings of human need, though the specifics are best discovered by reading the book.
Is this edition significantly different from the first?
The second edition is fully updated and includes new material, reflecting recent developments and debates in the field.
Which disciplines does the book draw from?
It draws primarily from social policy, sociology, and development studies, but also incorporates insights from philosophy and economics.
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