Summary
Contents
Subject index
Bringing together a discussion of the theories and techniques of comparative policy analysis and a description of current developments in selected welfare state regimes, European Welfare States provides an accessible overview of issues concerning European welfare states. In particular, it provides: - an overview of the development of welfare states in Europe; - a discussion of key issues including welfare state theories, the role of globalization, gender and the welfare state; welfare typologies; and the role of public opinion; - a detailed account of recent developments and current challenges in five European welfare states; and - a detailed account of the key challenges facing European welfare states and possible future directions for welfare models including the role of the European Union in the development of social policy. This book is illustrated throughout with student-friendly features such as case-studies, chapter summaries, questions for discussion and guides for further reading. With a flowing narrative and clear structure the book is an invaluable text for undergraduates taking courses in comparative social policy. It will also be useful for students in related disciplines such as public policy, social welfare, politics and international relations.
Introduction
Introduction
The objective of this book is to provide an up-to-date and comparative analysis of European welfare states. It covers three main issues:
- Key theories about welfare states (for example, political theory, globalisation and gender).
- A description and analysis of the development of European welfare states and a comparative outline of a small number of states drawn from different welfare ‘families’.
- A discussion of current key challenges and possible options for future policy development.
The theoretical perspective is directly linked to empirical country examples providing a coherent and detailed picture of European welfare states.
This chapter defines the scope of the book. If we are to look at European welfare states, it is first necessary to ask what we mean by these terms, that is, ‘Europe’ and ...
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