British Social Policy Since 1945 (Making Contemporary Britain)

by HowardGlennerster (Author), HowardGlennerster (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1995

  $3.28

  This volume is a broad-ranging survey of the development of social policy, from the end of the World War II up to the present day. The notion of the Welfare State is often invoked as a powerful, political and social ideal. In this book, Howard Glennerster explores the myths and counter-myths that have shaped poular conceptions of social policy, and that continue to dominate current debates. Setting the emergence of the classic welfare state in its historical context, the book explores the distinct characteristics of the 1940s as a period of remarkable social change and reception to innovation. It examines the precise role of Sir William Beveridge, traditionally seen as the founding father of the welfare system, and assesses, too, the contribution of other players, such as Aneurin Bevan, in developing the British forms of welfare provision. The book provides an assessment of the various aspects of the welfare system through the post-war decades - including education, health, social security and housing - linking the service-by-service stories to the wider political agenda of the times. Throughout, the book shows that social policy could not be tackled within a vacuum: welfare provision was expensive and sensitive, and the various legislative measures can only be understood through an awareness of the underlying political and economic concerns of ministers. Howard Glennerster is the author of Paying for Welfare: The 1990s, and co-author (with M. Matsaginis and P. Owens) of Implementing Fundholding and (with N. Korman) Planning for Priority Groups .

• Used

  Paperback
  2000

  $3.28

  This is a new edition of one of the most widely used texts on the history of social policy. Covering the period from the end of the Second World War to the present day, Howard Glennerster focuses on the 'Welfare State' to explore the myths that have shaped popular conceptions of social policy, and which continue to dominate current debates.The new edition includes: an entirely new chapter on developments since the 1997 General Election. completely updated and amended text, including greater coverage of the Thatcher period. a new conclusion drawing out what is seen as a distinctively British social policy direction. more cross-country comparisons. a fully updated reference section. From the earliest days of the welfare state, to New Labour's reform commitments for the new century, Glennerster concludes that social policy can only ever be understood in the context of the political and economic concerns of the time.