Description: This Very Short Introduction discusses the necessity of welfare states in modern capitalist societies. Situating social policy in an historical, sociological, and comparative perspective, David Garland brings a new understanding to familiar debates, policies, and institutions.
Review Quotes: "This slender and yet weighty little book has no rival anywhere. It is the authoritative introduction for anyone remotely interested in the welfare state." - Gosta Esping-Andersen, Professor of Sociology at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra
"It is amazing how dimensions of historical origins, nation-building, power resources, institutional legacies and varieties of welfare regimes are covered with utmost clarity. I find Garland's short introduction of the welfare state truly unparalleled." - Prof. Dr. Anton Hemerijck, Centennial Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science"Garland's robustly researched book is invaluable to anyone wishing to gain a comprehensive overview of the welfare state ... It is not only a long overdue reference that fills the gaps in the literature, providing readers with a big picture of the past and current developments, but will become also a longstanding reference for students and researchers who are interested in the field of social welfare studies and policy research." - Huibing Ke, Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare