Anne Marie Baylouny examines previously undocumented effects of neoliberal economic reforms on middle classes in the Middle East. As the state's safety network has been withdrawn, kin-based mutual aid associations-organized around new definitions of kinship and identity and geared to contemporary market and labor needs-have taken its place. Such organizations provide a measure of social and economic security for their members, and have come to dominate civil society in Jordan and Lebanon. Based on extensive fieldwork and interviews with members, non-members, and policymakers, Privatizing Welfare in the Middle East provides compelling new insights into democratization, liberalization, and civil society.

Exploring identity-based organizations, welfare, and civil society

About the Author

Anne Marie Baylouny is Assistant Professor of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.

Reviews

"Full of novel and important information... offer[s] an innovative argument." -Marc Lynch, George Washington University

"Baylouny's work covers the emerging trend of kin associations and privatisation of welfare as a global phenomenon in her theoretical approach and review of the literature.... The book maintains a flow with topics organised into chapters with a clear purpose which support the main arguments. Given the books accessibility and subject, it is a useful read for policy makers and professionals in the international development industry, as well as scholars and students with similar research areas." -Political Studies Review, May 2012

Book Information
ISBN 9780253221957
Author Anne Marie Baylouny
Format Paperback
Page Count 316
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 431g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 16mm