Welfare (Concepts in the Social Sciences)

by NormanP.Barry (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1999

  $4.74

  This text traces the historical origins of welfare to 18th-century sources in moral and social philosophy and shows how, in the evolution of the concept, doctrines of welfare have been associated with a variety of social philosophies, including utilitarianism, rights, individualism and collectivism. The author explores the economic and philosophical rationales of the welfare state and considers the theoretical debate in the light of recent developments in social theory. He shows how the welfare issue has begun to affect the liberal versus communitarian controversey, and goes on to provide a thorough analysis of the re-thinking of welfare policy in the light of criticism from the New Right. The result is a text for students of politics, sociology and social policy, and a reference for researchers as well as those with a wider interest in the welfare state.

• Used

  Paperback
  1990

  $6.10

  Welfare is a modern idea which covers a range of social and economic phenomena, from personal notions of well-being and self-esteem to complex policy questions involving the relief of indigence and unemployment and the supply of such goods and services as housing, education, pensions and health care. In this book Norman Barry traces the origins of the concept of welfare from its beginnings in early utilitarian and individualistic social philosophy through to its full articulation in the theories of citizenship and community that emerged in criticism of 19th-century capitalism. He considers the meaning of welfare and its connection with other concepts, especially social justice, equality, freedom and rights. The work of social philosophers such as Bentham, J.S.Mill, L.T.Hobhouse and Richard Titmuss is reviewed alongside an historical and analytical account of the welfare state and there is also a discussion of the role of liberal political economy in the development of an individualistic and anti-statist theory of welfare.