Developing countries may not have full-fledged welfare states like those we find in Europe, but certainly they have welfare state systems. For comparative social policy research the term "welfare state systems" has many advantages, as there are numerous different types/models of welfare state systems around the world. This path-breaking book, edited by Christian Aspalter, brings together leading experts to discuss social policy in 25 countries/regions around the world. From the most advanced welfare state systems in Scandinavia and Western Central Europe to the developing powers of Brazil, China, India, Russia, Mexico and Indonesia, each country-specific chapter provides a historical overview, discusses major characteristics of the welfare state system, analyzes country-specific problems, as well as critical current and future trends for further discussions, while also providing one additional major focal point/issue for greater in-depth analysis.

This book breaks new ground in ideal-typical welfare regime theory, identifying now in total 10 worlds of welfare capitalism. It provides broad perspectives on critical challenges which welfare state systems in the developing and developed world alike must address now and in the future. It will be of great interest to all scholars and students of social policy, social development, development and health economists, public policy, health policy, sociology, social work and social policy makers and administrators. This book is a reference book for researchers and social policy administrators; it can also serve as a textbook for courses on comparative social policy, international social policy and international social development.

About the Author

Christian Aspalter is Professor and Former Founding Head of the Social Work and Social Administration Programme at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University, United International College, Zhuhai, China. He is the author of more than 20 books on social policy and has published numerous articles in international journals. He is editor of the book series Routledge Studies in Social Welfare in Asia.

Reviews

'This book contains an impressive overview of welfare state systems - and not only in the countries already depicted as welfare states, but with a very strong focus on covering all regions in the world. By this, the book will become an invaluable resource for those interested in different types of welfare states.' - Bent Greve, University of Roskilde, Denmark

'Edited books on welfare systems are not few in number, but the present one by Christian Aspalter is the only one which is really global and provides readers a true understanding of the divergent social welfare systems which countries and regions around the world have developed in securing for their people better lives.' - Nelson Chow, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

'The Routledge International Handbook to Welfare State Systems is a book that will prove an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and researchers with an interest in international social policy. This comprehensive collection offers readers an up-to-date account of the complex ways each of the 24 nations covered wrestles with challenges of economic globalization and rapid technological change and how each provides social welfare policies for the care of their most vulnerable citizens is contained in this book.' - Katherine van Wormer, University of Northern Iowa, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9780367352134
Author Christian Aspalter
Format Paperback
Page Count 498
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g