Social Policy for Child and Family Development
A Systems/Dialectical Perspective
(Third Edition)
©2026, 328 pages
Paperback list price: $122.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $92.95
You save $30 (24%)
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Based on the belief that no single policymaking position has all the answers, the book offers a model that reduces the tendency to present only one viewpoint. As they move through the text, readers use this model to evaluate the effectiveness of specific policies.
The book addresses issues such as alcohol, nicotine, and drug use during pregnancy, social policy and poverty, education, family development, and technology. The material also discusses child abuse and neglect, social media and ethnicity, and the future of social policy on child and family development.
Each chapter includes learning objectives, key terms, study questions, a debate activity, additional reading resources, and a list of references.
The third edition features new images and new tables with updated statistics analyzing poverty thresholds, high school graduate rates, children in foster care, and stepfamily statistics. In addition, the book includes new information on fentanyl abuse and effects on the fetus; LGBTQ+ marriages and families; Instagram, TikTok, and artificial intelligence as they relate to social media and child and family social policy; and the intersections of Black family life with employment, education, and the economy.
Social Policy for Child and Family Development is well suited to courses in child and family studies or consumer sciences.
Thomas W. Roberts is Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University, where he taught courses in family studies and public policy. He has authored numerous publications and is the author of the book A Systems Perspective of Parenting: The Individual, the Family and the Social Network. Dr. Roberts received his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.
Cognella Active Learning is available for this title! Adopting instructors can provide students with dynamic online learning activities that reinforce key concepts from the text, provide engaging educational experiences, and support various learning styles.
Please note: Cognella Active Learning can be bundled for purchase with the text or posted separately. Contact us to learn about bundle discounts.
The Cognella Active Learning content for Social Policy for Child and Family Development includes:
To see a full demo, please email us and one of our adoption specialists will follow up with you.
Please note: Cognella Active Learning can be bundled for purchase with the text or posted separately. Contact us to learn about bundle discounts.
The Cognella Active Learning content for Social Policy for Child and Family Development includes:
- 12 decks of digital flashcards
- 12 quizzes
- 11 discussions
- 29 videos
To see a full demo, please email us and one of our adoption specialists will follow up with you.
Formats and Bulk Order Pricing for Confirmed Adoptions
Publisher Direct Versions — Available through the Cognella Student Store for confirmed adoptions |
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$92.95
Best Value! |
Publisher Direct Ebook | Publisher Direct ebooks are available in your Cognella account immediately after purchase and provide access for 180 days. Our ebooks run on VitalSource and RedShelf with perpetual/annual options available. |
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$109.95
Shipping Included! |
Publisher Direct Paperback | These special, discounted paperback editions are sold exclusively through the Cognella Student Store (store.cognella.com) for confirmed adoptions. They are not available through other retailers. The books are printed on demand, do not have an ISBN, and are not intended for resale, which results in savings we pass along to students. Most Publisher Direct Paperbacks also come with free, immediate access to the first 30% of the ebook and shipping included. |
| $25.95 | Standalone Cognella Active Learning | Cognella Active Learning provides dynamic online content within a custom digital learning environment. Free with purchase of textbook or ebook. |
Higher Education Bookstore Pricing — These suggested retail prices include a total projected mark-up of 25% |
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Inclusive Access Available!
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Ebook 979-8-8233-8960-0 |
We partner with VitalSource, Kortext, and RedShelf to provide day-one access to students through campus bookstores. Bookstores and these vendors share in the total projected mark-up. Learn more about Inclusive Access at cognella.com/inclusive-access. Contact us for details. |
| $122.95 | Paperback 979-8-8233-1600-2 |
Standard paperback version. Contact us for course adoptions; also available for individual purchase through national wholesalers and retailers — and from our website directly — see Purchase button above. |
| $122.95 | Paperback + Cognella Active Learning Code 979-8-8233-8164-2 |
Cognella Active Learning provides students with dynamic online content within a custom digital learning environment. Access codes are available with print books or ebooks. Contact us for course adoptions; not available for individual purchase. |
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| Other Formats Talk to a rep for details |
Other formats (perforated, hardcover, etc.) may be available. Contact us for course adoptions; specialty formats are not available for individual purchase. | |
| $25.95 | Standalone Cognella Active Learning Talk to a rep for ISBN details |
Cognella Active Learning provides dynamic online content within a custom digital learning environment. Does not include the ebook. Contact us for course adoptions; not available for individual purchase. |
Adopting instructors will receive PowerPoints and test banks.
