The welfare state arouses controversy whether attention is focused on its recent past or future development. Leading experts in welfare history draw together the latest research in essays combining broad policy surveys and detailed case studies. The key questions are 'What is a welfare state?' and 'How can it best be analysed?'. The history of the British welfare state suggests that the traditional approach has been too narrow. Current policy should be informed by a greater sense of history.
Preface; P.Catterall Introduction; R.Lowe Inequality Redistribution and Living Standards in Britain since 1945; P.Johnson Renegotiating the Boundaries: Risk, Responsibility in Personal Welfare since 1945; D.Gladstone The Voluntary Sector and the State in Twentieth Century Britain; J.Lewis From Problem Family to Underclass, 1945-95; J.Macnicol Democratic Socialism and Equality; R.Plant The National Assistance Board and the Rediscovery of Poverty; J.V.Wilson The Trade Union Movement the Social Contract and Social Policy 1970-74; H.Fawcett Immigration and Economics: the Politics of Race and Immigration in the Postwar Period; S.Saggar The Welfare State: from Beveridge to Borrie; C.Pierson Index
