ABSTRACT

Originally published in 1973, The Welfare State traces the historical roots of the Welfare State and considers the problems to which it gives rise, especially in the allocation of resources. It focuses on the economic issue of meeting needs with scarce resources and compares the British experience with that of other countries. It sets out the pattern of the social services since Beveridge and summarises the criticisms levelled at them. It considers the economic issues involved and provides a straightforward presentation of the available policy choices, the discussion poses a direct comparison with other countries. The book offers an overall conspectus of current policy issues against the historical background from which they arise.

chapter One|8 pages

What is the Welfare State?

chapter Two|14 pages

The Origins of the Modern Welfare State

chapter Three|16 pages

Development of the Social Services, 1900–1948

chapter Four|10 pages

The ‘Beveridge Revolution’

chapter Six|18 pages

The Limitations of the British Welfare State

chapter Seven|31 pages

The Economics of the Welfare State

chapter Eight|25 pages

International Comparisons

chapter Nine|31 pages

The Future of the Welfare State