The recent global recession, preceded by easy access to credit, led to a household debt epidemic. This book examines the causes, consequences and potential public policies related to debt from a social policy perspective, in which over-indebtedness is understood as a social risk. Heikki Hiilamo presents a unique conceptual and theoretical approach to the topic -- one of the most pressing social issues of the modern Western world.

The trajectories of increasing household debt are studied in the contexts of the US and the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Norway. Household Debt and Economic Crises examines remedies to prevent and alleviate the over-indebtedness epidemic, creating a conceptual framework with which to analyse the causes and consequences of debt. Hiilamo argues that social policies are needed to tackle the current borrowing crisis that endangers and prevents the full participation in society of individuals with excessive debts.

Academics and students of social policy, economics and social-epidemiology will find this an indispensable and thought-provoking read. With analysis of countries across Europe and the US, policymakers, public officials and NGOs working with household debt problems will find this a timely addition to the literature for highlighting future paths in research and policy.

About the Author
Heikki Hiilamo, Professor of Social Policy, Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki and Research Professor, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland

Reviews
'Impressively informative and exceptionally well organised and presented Household Debt and Economic Crises is a critically important and unreservedly recommended addition to professional, corporate, governmental, college, and university library Contemporary Economics collections and supplemental studies reading lists.' -- Midwest Book Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781785369865
Author Heikki Hiilamo
Format Hardback
Page Count 184
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd