For anyone studying childhood or families, a consideration of the state may not always seem obvious, yet a good critical knowledge of politics, social policy and social theory is vital to understanding their impacts upon families’ everyday lives. Accessibly written and assuming no prior understanding, it shows how key concepts, including vulnerability, risk, resilience, safeguarding and wellbeing are socially constructed. Carefully designed to support learning, it provides students with clear guidance on how to use what they have read when writing academic assignments alongside questions designed to support the development of critical thinking skills. Covering issues from what the family is within a multicultural society, through issues around poverty, social mobility and life-chances, this book gives students an excellent grounding in matters relating to work with children and families. It features: • ‘using this chapter’ sections showing how the content can be used in assignments; • tips on applying critical thinking to books and articles – and how to make use of such thinking in essays; • further reading.This book provides students and academics with a critical insight into how everyday lives and experiences are shaped by policy and legislation. It assumes no prior understanding of political ideologies and provides guidance on developing academic assignments throughout. Covering concepts such as the family within multicultural societies, poverty, social mobility and life-chances, this book gives students an excellent grounding in matters relating to work with children and families.