Introduction: Conservatives and the Welfare State; Part I. Analytical Foundations: 1. The logic of retrenchment; 2. The context for retrenchment politics; Part II. The Politics of Programmatic Retrenchment: 3. Retrenchment in a core sector: old age pensions; 4. Retrenchment in a vulnerable sector: housing; 5. Retrenchment in a residualized sector: income support; Part III. The Embattled Welfare State: 6. Reagan, Thatcher and the welfare state; 7. Social policy in an era of austerity.
This book examines the politics of social policy in an era of austerity and conservative governance.
"Pierson's case studies are especially interesting, for they
challenge a widely held view that universal programs are more
durable than targeted, means-tested programs....Pierson's
empirically rich analysis...constitutes a valuable contribution to
an understanding of the politics of the contemporary welfare
state." American Journal of Sociology
"...[an] insightful, balanced, incredibly lucid, well-organized
account of the durability of welfare state programs....Highly
recommended for all research collections." Social & Behavioral
Sciences
"...path-breaking study." The Economist
"Pierson provides informative, finely grained analyses of the
politics of programmed retrenchment in old-age pensions, housing
policies, and income support programs....Pierson's theoretical
framework provides much insight and understanding of the social
welfare policy records of Reagan and Thatcher....this important
book can be highly recommended to students and scholars. It is
particularly appropriate for advanced undergraduate and graduate
courses stressing national institutions, public policy, or
political economy. It is essential reading for welfare state
researchers and other scholars interested in the politics of social
policy in the contemporary era." Duane Swank, American Political
Science Review
Ask a Question About this Product More... |