“Social Welfare and Social Exclusion Title: Choose an area of welfare or a social group who receive welfare and explore their experience of exclusion. (Lone Parents) Students must locate their discussions within the historical and ideological framework regrading the role and function of welfare.”

In order to begin to discuss the category of lone parents with regards to welfare we must firstly look at what welfare is and its purpose within society. Social welfare can be taken as referring to ‘the various social arrangements that exist to meet the needs of individuals and groups in society and to tackle social problems’ (Alcock et al, 1998, p.31). Welfare is not only provided by the state but can also be provided by ‘family and friends; the market; and non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) such a voluntary organisations, mutual associations and charities….(short extract)