In a period of rapid change for welfare states around the world, this insightful book offers a comparative study of three historically small welfare states: the US, Japan and South Korea. Examining various aspects of welfare states, chapters explore the underlying reasons behind the restraint of social security in these countries. Featuring contributions from international distinguished scholars, this book looks beyond the larger European welfare states to unpack the many common political and institutional characteristics - from labor organization to party politics - that have constrained welfare state development in industrialized democracies. Offering insight into welfare-state development outside of Europe, this book will be crucial reading for scholars of welfare states, especially those working on Asian and American social policy specifically. It will also be of interest to policymakers and social policy experts in government, civil institutions and international organizations, particularly for those working in developing countries. Contributors include: M. Estevez-Abe, C. Faricy, S. Haggard, Y.-R, Jung, D. Kim, S.-w. Kim, Y.-S. Kim, J. Klein, S.-M. Kwon, D. Oude Nijuis, J.-j. Yang

Are we living in an age of permanent austerity? In this insightful book, Bent Greve provides a comprehensive empirical analysis of welfare states since 2000, exploring the ways in which austerity can be measured and quantified and how far retrenchment has impinged on European welfare states. Featuring clear and succinct discussions defining austerity and retrenchment, Greve offers strong methodological approaches to the measurement of austerity. This timely book provides detailed comparative European analysis, unpacking changes in health care, pension systems and employment policies to better understand the nature, impact and extent of austerity in welfare services. Detailed and nuanced, this book is critical for students of social policy, sociology and political science exploring contemporary European austerity programs. Researchers will also benefit, as the author casts new light on the development and trajectories of the modern welfare state.

Presenting a truly comprehensive history of Basic Income, Malcolm Torry explores the evolution of the concept of a regular unconditional income for every individual, as well as examining other types of income as they relate to its history. Examining the beginnings of the modern debate at the end of the eighteenth century right up to the current global discussion, this book draws on a vast array of original historical sources and serves as both an in-depth study of, and introduction to, Basic Income and its history. Commencing with Thomas Paine's advocacy for Basic Capital and Thomas Spence's for a Basic Income, Torry analyses thought from a variety of authors during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and explores the widespread debate across Europe from the 1980s to the present day. Chapters further investigate a terminologically diverse debate in Canada and the USA and highlight the significance of recent research on feasibility in the UK. Concluding with a study of the anatomy of what is now a single global debate about Basic Income, this book will be of value to policy makers, students and scholars of Basic Income, social and economic history, and the economics of social policy.

This innovative Handbook presents the core concepts associated with austerity, retrenchment and populism and explores how they can be used to analyse developments in different welfare states and in specific social policies. Leading experts highlight how these concepts have influenced and changed welfare states around the globe and impacted specific areas including pensions, long-term care, the labour market, taxation, social activism and gender equality. Comprehensive in approach, the authors offer cutting edge research demonstrating the importance of societal developments to welfare states and the effects of ideas, ideologies and variations in policies and decisions in different countries. They also investigate key country and regime-specific approaches to welfare state development, analysing and interpreting changes in the last 10-15 years. The main drivers for these changes, ranging from demography, to the financial crisis, to the use of new technology and the possible impact of populism, are examined. Far reaching and authoritative, this timely Handbook offers a systematic theoretic overview which will be invaluable for scholars of welfare states, social policy, sociology and political science. Social policy makers will also benefit from the novel case studies explored in depth, and suggestions for potential policy changes.

Focusing on the developing economic challenges confronting Korea and the US in response to the aging of their populations, this timely book examines how public policies are evolving in light of demographic changes, the impact of aging on governmental expenditures, and transitions in the labor force associated with aging. International contributors comparatively analyze government approaches to population aging, illustrating the similar challenges faced across nations. Chapters draw attention to those particular issues that public policy plans must surmount, including funding pressures on retirement plans and the effects of an aging labor force on economic growth and productivity. They offer evidence on the scale of these challenges in Korea and the US and empirically evaluate how governments, employers, and individuals may respond to these issues in the years to come. Addressing fiscal sustainability and key social security programs, including the implications of the 2015 Korean pension reform and the economic difficulties entailed by the future of Medicare, this book investigates the implications of managing and sustaining welfare for an aging population. This cutting-edge book will be ideal reading for economists focusing on public policy and welfare programs, benefiting from the comparative approach to fiscal accountability and sustainability. It will also appeal to practitioners and policymakers seeking insights into the consequences of an aging population and hoping to develop innovative methods and approaches to welfare.

This insightful book provides a comprehensive analysis of the nationwide randomised Finnish basic income experiment 2017 to 2018, from planning and implementation through to the end results. It presents the background of the social policy system in which the experiment was implemented and details the narratives of the planning process alongside its constraints, as well as a final evaluation of the results. Empirical chapters analyse the outcomes of the experiment in relation to the employment, health and well-being, in various forms, of the recipients of unconditional income transfer. Phenomenological aspects of living on basic income, based on face-to-face interviews, are also reported, as well as media discourse on the experiment and its results. This thought-provoking book concludes with an examination of the political feasibility of basic income in Finland. Offering important lessons on the planning and implementation of such experiments in a developed welfare state, this unique book will be a vital resource for scholars and students of social policy, welfare economics, basic security and basic income.

Experiences of the struggle for housing, ignited by the lack of social and affordable housing, have led to the establishing of shared and self-managed housing areas. In such a context, it becomes crucially important to re-think the need to define common urban worlds "from below". Here, Penny Travlou and Stavros Stavridis trace contemporary practices of urban commoning through which people re-define housing economies. Connecting to a rich literature on the importance of commons and of practices of commoning for the creation of emancipated societies, the authors discuss whether housing struggles and co-habitation experiences may contribute in crucial ways to the development of a commoning culture. The authors explore a variety of urban contexts through global case studies from across the Global North and South, in search of concrete examples that illustrate the potentialities of urban commoning.

This brand new book addresses disability issues, including inclusive education, advocacy and empowerment. Aimed specifically at students studying in South Africa, this book attempts to plug the gap between policy, services and rights for disabled people in South Africa, whilst also helping readers to find a new world view. This book is suitable for both first year undergraduates in inclusive education and senior students and also academics looking to advance theory and lay good foundations for comprehensive, evidence-based practice.

The book offers a comprehensive overview of social security in the Balkan states. Social security is presented from a broad perspective as a mechanism that addresses human needs, provides protection against social risks, reduces social tensions and secures peace. Various sectors of social policy, pension systems, health care systems, disability insurance, labor policy as well as social risks, such as poverty and unemployment have been analyzed from historical, economic, political, sociological and security perspective. The book also offers recommendations for improving the level of social security in the region. Contributors are: Dritero Arifi, Ngadhnjim Brovina, Pellumb Collaku, Dorota Domalewska, Besnik Fetahu, Remzije Istrefi, Maja Jandric, Gordana Matkovic, Ruzhdi Morina, Artan Mustafa, Katarina Stanic, and Marzena Zakowska.

As Frances Fox Piven and Richard Cloward argued in the early seventies, in a capitalist economy, social welfare policies alternatingly serve political and economic ends as circumstances dictate. In moments of political stability, governments emphasize a capitalistic work ethic (even if it means working a job that will leave one impoverished); when times are less politically stable, states liberalize welfare policies to recreate the conditions for political acquiescence. Sanford Schram argues in this new book that each shift produces its own path dependency even as it represents yet another iteration of what he (somewhat ironically) calls "ordinary capitalism," where the changes in market logic inevitably produce changes in the structure of the state. In today's ordinary capitalism, neoliberalism is the prevailing political-economic logic that has contributed significantly to unprecedented levels of inequality in an already unequal society. As the new normal, neoliberalism has marketization of the state as a core feature, heightening the role of economic actors, especially financiers, in shaping public policy. The results include increased economic precarity among the general population, giving rise to dramatic political responses on both the Left and the Right (Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party in particular). Schram examines neoliberalism's constraints on politics as well as social and economic policy and gives special attention to the role protest politics plays in keeping alive the possibilities for ordinary people to exercise political agency. The Return of Ordinary Capitalism concludes with political strategies for working through-rather than around-neoliberalism via a radical, rather than status-quo-reinforcing, incrementalism.

Incorporating insights from political economy and behavioural psychology, this radical book provides an up-to-date account of the dilemmas facing social policy this decade: where did we go wrong, and what we can do about it? Ian Greener reconsiders one of the leading analyses by Jessop of the relationship between the economic and the political, combining it with insights from behavioural science. Covering the economy, healthcare, education and social security, detailed case studies show that the tensions and contradictions in present policy stem from the relationship between government and corporations and a resulting growth in inequality. The author presents a new, unified and effective framework to consider where social policy has come from, where it is now, and what what can we do about it? This book is ideal for those who want the bigger picture of politics and social policy, including advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students of social policy, welfare studies, politics, or other social science disciplines.

This timely book explores new social justice challenges in the workplace. Adopting a long-term perspective, it focuses on value conflicts, or ethical dilemmas, in contemporary organisations. Matthieu de Nanteuil holds a strong and original position in this regard. The problem is not so much the existence of value conflicts: it is more the fact that the actors do not have a frame of justice that allows them to overcome these conflicts without renouncing their deeply held values. However - and this is crucial - these frames of justice are plural. The book proposes tangible solutions, based around four frames of justice: ethics of discussion, negotiation, development and recognition. It offers a systematic review of their strengths and weaknesses as applied to the workplace. The author translates them to real life situations through a range of case studies, demonstrating practical outcomes applicable to the day-to-day working environment and highlighting that there is no one universal approach. Original and engaging, this book will be of interest to scholars of workplace ethics, labour policy, sociology of work and social theory. It will also be a key resource for HRM policy makers, trade unionists and managers dealing with human issues in the organisation.

This thoroughly updated second edition incorporates key ideas and discussions on issues such as wider economic impacts, the treatment of risk and the importance of institutional arrangements in ensuring the correct use of technique. Gines de Rus considers whether public decisions, such as investing in high-speed rail links, privatizing a public enterprise or protecting a natural area, may improve social welfare. Key features include: A comprehensive overview of the philosophy of the Cost-Benefit Analysis approach to appraisal to engage students with a basic model for informing responsible decision-making Expert blending of relevant case studies with insightful analysis, enabling students to see the model's application to real-world scenarios An accessible and readable style, which encourages classroom discussions as well as insights for the practical application of this economic tool. Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis is an ideal textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate students of economics, engaging with important ideas and the latest thinking in the field. It will also benefit economists and practitioners involved in the economic evaluation of projects. Acclaim for the first edition: 'In Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis, Gines de Rus provides the conceptual foundations of a cost-benefit analysis undertaken for public investments. . .This book serves well as an introductory textbook for courses in urban planning, public economics, and policy and program evaluation for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. . .economists may find it useful as a guide of the basics of cost-benefit analysis.' - Uma Kelekar, Journal of Planning Education and Research 'Gines de Rus has produced an excellent book which will be very useful to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in public economics as well as to professional economists working with project evaluations. The book can serve as a manual for how to undertake best-practice project analysis within a broad range of projects but in particular within the transportation sector. This text is highly recommended.' - Per-Olov Johansson, Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden 'This book shows that cost-benefit analysis does not need to be an esoteric and arcane subject. In a step-by-step presentation, with little more than introductory microeconomics, some clear reasoning, and many examples, Professor Gines de Rus presents the essentials of applied welfare economics concepts. Any undergraduate student or practitioner who wants to start their training in CBA should consider reading this text.' - Massimo Florio, University of Milan, Italy

Exam Board: Pearson BTEC Academic Level: BTEC National Subject: Health & Social Care First teaching: September 2016 First Exams: Summer 2017 Ideal for classroom or independent study, this Revision Guide with ActiveBook is the smart choice for learners studying for the externally assessed Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 of the new BTEC Nationals in Health & Social Care qualifications. The Revision Guide is accompanied by an ActiveBook (eBook) so that learners have the choice and flexibility to access materials anytime or anywhere. The visually engaging format breaks the content down into easily-digestible sections for students and provides hassle-free instant-access revision for learners. Clear specification fit, with revision activities and annotated sample responses for each unit to show students how to tackle the assessed tasks. Written with students in mind - in an informal voice that talks directly to them. Designed to be used alongside the Workbook with clear unit-by-unit correspondence to make it easy to use the books together. Updates to this title If you purchased this title before 3rd April 2017, you will have an older edition. In light of updates to the qualification, there may be changes required to this older edition, which will be outlined at www.pearsonfe.co.uk/BTECchanges. An updated edition of this title will release in time for the new academic year in September 2017. This new edition will reflect updates to the qualification that have been made. If you have the older edition and would like a copy of the new edition, please contact our customer services team, with proof of purchase, on 0845 313 6666 or email [email protected]

BEST OF THE 2022 RUSA Book & Media AWARDS One of Biblioracle's 8 favorite nonfiction books of 2021 in the Chicago Tribune The New York Post's BEST BOOKS OF 2021 USA Today's 5 BOOKS NOT TO MISS Alexander nimbly and grippingly translates the byzantine world of American health care into a real-life narrative with people you come to care about. --New York Times Takes readers into the world of the American medical industry in a way no book has done before. --Fortune By following the struggle for survival of one small-town hospital, and the patients who walk, or are carried, through its doors, The Hospital takes readers into the world of the American medical industry in a way no book has done before. Americans are dying sooner, and living in poorer health. Alexander argues that no plan will solve America's health crisis until the deeper causes of that crisis are addressed. Bryan, Ohio's hospital, is losing money, making it vulnerable to big health systems seeking domination and Phil Ennen, CEO, has been fighting to preserve its independence. Meanwhile, Bryan, a town of 8,500 people in Ohio's northwest corner, is still trying to recover from the Great Recession. As local leaders struggle to address the town's problems, and the hospital fights for its life amid a rapidly consolidating medical and hospital industry, a 39-year-old diabetic literally fights for his limbs, and a 55-year-old contractor lies dying in the emergency room. With these and other stories, Alexander strips away the wonkiness of policy to reveal Americans' struggle for health against a powerful system that's stacked against them, but yet so fragile it blows apart when the pandemic hits. Culminating with COVID-19, this book offers a blueprint for how we created the crisis we're in.

Over recent years, the inability of social security protection to reach workers without a formal employment contract has become an inconvenient reality in both the global north and south. This book explores how provisions for income security can be revised to effectively meet the needs of the labour force in varying economies. In developing economies, informal employment has traditionally accounted for a high proportion of overall employment and this trend looks set to continue. In the global north, the increasing use of flex-contracts and 'dependent self-employment' has led to a rise in the number of workers with limited income protection. An additional challenge for countries in both hemispheres is the rise of the 'gig' economy. This book is the first to open up a dialogue about social security coverage in the developed and developing world. Authors from both sides of the divide have contributed chapters and present a variety of insights, experiments and practices with the aim of identifying better ways to combat the growing social security challenge. Academic researchers with an interest in labour law and social policy will find this book to be an engaging source of innovative research. Practicing lawyers and policy makers will also benefit from the insights and examples provided from a number of different jurisdictions. ntributors include: C. Barnard, A. Blackham, E. Fourie, A. Govindjee, T. Gyulavari, D. Hofmeyr, L. Jianfei, A. Johansson Westregard, L. Lamarche, J. Li, J. Masabo, M. Olivier, P.A. Ortiz, A. Paz-Fuchs, M. Westerveld, M. Wynn

All over the world children are faced with social, physical and emotional turmoil that stems from varying degrees of violence. Abuse, neglect, abandonment and bereavement often affects these children and their education. This book highlights the plight of children and explores multi-sectoral approaches in providing sustainable psychosocial support. Quality education for vulnerable children is a top priority and an important discussion is to be had on how to support these types of students and children. This book is ideal for researchers, students, teachers, school administrators, public and private agencies, and anyone else interested in support and education for neglected, abused, and vulnerable children.