Published
Nov 10, 2022Page count
164 pagesISBN
978-1447367369Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Nov 10, 2022Page count
164 pagesISBN
978-1447367376Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Nov 10, 2022Page count
164 pagesISBN
978-1447367376Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
States and Welfare States
Most governments in the world – including many that are autocratic or authoritarian – have taken responsibility for social policy and elected to develop services in health, education and social security. This book explores the role of government and the state in the contemporary world and, considering a range of theories and evidence, discusses views about government responsibility for social welfare services.
Applying political theory to social policy, this book seeks to address a set of key questions: what responsibilities do governments have towards their populations? What ought they do and what not? How can they do things better?
“Spicker has written a scholarly and engaging account of the largely neglected but important exploration of political theory to social policy, which will provide valuable reading for all students of social policy.” Martin Powell, University of Birmingham
Paul Spicker is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Robert Gordon University. His research has included studies of poverty, need, disadvantage and service delivery. His books on social policy for Policy Press have discussed poverty, social security and the theory of social policy, and include a leading textbook, ‘Social Policy: Theory and Practice’.
1. Introduction: the state, and what it has become
Part 1: On government
2. Government
3. Public Policy
4. The state and civil society
5. Global public policy
Part 2: Salus populi suprema lex: the welfare of the people is the highest law
6. The scope of legitimate action
7. Welfare
8. Which people?
9. The commitment to welfare
10. Disputed principles
11. The duties of a government
