Social Policy

How do culture and values influence approaches to the public good? The actions of governments at all levels can ensure or detract from the material well-being of individuals. Schar School faculty research key topics – such as housing policy, regional development, transportation, and social welfare – that influence how societies respond to the growing global challenges of social, political, economic, and demographic change. Social policy is concerned with how governments at all levels set priorities, and along with that, the roles that power, inequality, and economic systems play in the design of public policies.

Areas of research include: 

  • Poverty alleviation
  • The design of welfare programs
  • Access to housing and education
  • Race, class, & gender
  • Religion and politics
  • Tax and welfare policies
  • Urban and housing policy

Interested in interviewing one of our experts? Contact Communications Manager Buzz McClain at bmcclai2@gmu.edu or 703-993-9603.

  • Photo of Bonnie Stabile

    Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs;  Founder and Director, Gender and Policy Center

    Areas of Research: Gender, Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation, Bioethics, and Ethics in Public Policy
  • Faye S. Taxman

    University Professor, Director of the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence!

    Areas of Research: Evidence-Based Practices, Criminal Justice Organizations, Fairness Issues in Risk Assessment, Health and Justice Policies, Corrections and Probation/Parole Implementation Science, Intervention Science, Motivational Interviewing in Justice Settings, Implementation-Effectiveness Studies
  • Photo of Judith A. Wilde

    Research Professor, ACE!

    Areas of Research: Public University Presidents’ Compensation, Use of Search Firms in Hiring Presidents and Provosts at Public Universities, Education of K-16 English Learners, Design and Evaluation of Professional Development