A Very Short Introduction In this clear and compact introduction, David Garland explains the role and significance of welfare states in modern capitalist societies. The book places social policy in a historical, sociological, and comparative perspective.
Welfare states vary across countries and change over time. They form an indispensable part of modern public policy, in which the balance between market forces and government involvement is continuously debated. Despite criticism and reforms, these institutions remain relevant and valuable within democratic capitalist systems.
Contents
This very short introduction discusses the origins, workings, and current significance of welfare states. Garland explains why they are not a failure, but instead are essential for social security and economic stability. The book offers an accessible analysis of well-known debates, policies, and institutions surrounding social protection.
Product details
- Author: David Garland (Arthur T. Vanderbilt Professor of Law and Professor of Sociology)
- Series: Very Short Introductions
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Publication date: 2016-03-24
- Number of pages: 176
- ISBN: 9780199672660
- Theme: Welfare and benefit systems
- BISAC: SOCIAL SCIENCE / Human Services
About the author
David Garland is a scholar at New York University and Edinburgh University. He specializes in criminal law, sociology, and the welfare state. Garland has published several award-winning books and, with this very short introduction, provides an accessible contribution to understanding social security in modern societies.