Description
Book SynopsisThe Welfare State is under intense debate by economists, sociologists and political scientists. Here inequality, poverty and the existing system are described. Finally, the author discusses the reformation of British policy in a European perspective. For all those concerned with the future of social security.
Table of ContentsPart A. Income Inequality and Poverty in Britain and Europe: 1. What is happening to the distribution of income in the UK?; 2. Income distribution in European countries with L. Rainwater and T. Smeeding; 3. Poverty statistics and progress in Europe; 4. Comparing poverty rates internationally: recent studies in OECD countries; 5. Two nations in early retirement? The case of Britain with H. Sutherland; Part B. Analysis of the Welfare State: 6. Is the Welfare State necessarily a barrier to economic growth?; 7. A national minimum? A history of ambiguity in the determination of benefit scales in Britain; 8. The development of state pensions in the United Kingdom; 9. Income maintenance for the unemployed in Britain and the response to high unemployment; 10. Institutional features of unemployment insurance and the working of the labour market; 11. Social insurance; Part C. Targeting and the Future of Social Security Policy: 12. On targeting and family benefits; 13. The Western experience with social safety nets; 14. Towards a European safety net? 15. Beveridge, the national minimum and its future in a European context; 16. State pensions for today and tomorrow; Bibliography.
