The Economics of the Welfare State

by N.A.Barr (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1993

  $4.21

  In this contribution to the debate on the public versus the private sector, Dr. Barr argues that the welfare state is necessary on grounds of efficiency as well as equity, and that its major efficiency role makes it relevant to the population at large, not just to the poor. This new edition takes account of the major reforms since 1987 in social security, the NHS and education, and explains the inability of the Thatcher-Reagan governments of the 1980s to roll back the frontiers of the welfare state.

• Used

  Paperback
  1994

  $3.27

  Although written for economics students, a diverse readership, including students of social administration and public policy, should benefit from this text. Each of the technical chapters has an appendix which explains the results in non-technical terms. This edition includes additional sections on the definition and objectives of the welfare state, and on the analysis of insurance. The policy chapters take account of the major changes in recent years: the 1988 social security reforms, the NHS reforms, and the effects of the 1988 Education Reform Act. The concluding chapter explains the inability of the Thatcher and Reagan governments of the 1980s significantly to roll back the frontiers of the welfare state.