Global social policy studies: Conceptual and analytical reflections

Abstract

This article reviews the conceptual and analytical contribution of one strand of ‘global social policy studies’ since the mid-1990s. It outlines some of the strengths and weaknesses of the core conceptual basis of the approach acknowledging that the theoretical aspects have remained more implicit than explicit in many core texts. The article advances the case for using the ‘Agency, Structure, Institution and Discourse’ (ASID) approach as a framework within which to advance the analysis of the formation and transformation of ‘global social policy’. The recent development of the ILO and UN policy on advancing social protection floors is then used to illustrate how the ASID approach might be applied to an actual global social policy change.