The nature, organization and delivery of public services and how to cope with increasing demands for welfare in a globalizing world has become a central topic of debate - both political and academic - throughout the developed world. In this important new text, Rajiv Prabhakar reviews the evidence for different models of public services arguing that a combination of state, market and civil society provision is essential in the twenty-first century and drawing out the implications for different contexts, services and forms of provision.

Asset-based policies are becoming an increasingly important form of public and social policy globally. This sees individual assets - such as savings or housing--as crucial aspects of a new form of welfare provision emerging in countries such as the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. In this book, the first of its kind, Rajiv Prabhakar provides a theoretical perspective on the emerging asset agenda as well as examining specific policies, including the British Child Trust Fund.

Should the public play a greater role within the financial system? Decisions about money are a part of our everyday lives. Supporters promote financial inclusion as a way of helping people navigate decisions about money. However, critics fear these policies promote the financialisation of the welfare state and turn citizens into consumers. Presenting a nuanced, critical analysis of financial inclusion, Rajiv Prabhakar brings together the supportive and critical literatures which have, until now, developed in parallel. Addressing key issues including the poverty premium, financial capability and housing, this essential dialogue advances crucial public, academic and policy debates and proposes alternative paths forward.

Should the public play a greater role within the financial system? Decisions about money are a part of our everyday lives. Supporters promote financial inclusion as a way of helping people navigate decisions about money. However, critics fear these policies promote the financialisation of the welfare state and turn citizens into consumers. Presenting a nuanced, critical analysis of financial inclusion, Rajiv Prabhakar brings together the supportive and critical literatures which have, until now, developed in parallel. Addressing key issues including the poverty premium, financial capability and housing, this essential dialogue advances crucial public, academic and policy debates and proposes alternative paths forward.

Asset-based policies are becoming an increasingly important form of social policy globally. In this book, the first of its kind, Rajiv Prabhakar provides a theoretical perspective on the emerging asset agenda as well as examining specific policies, including the British Child Trust Fund.