This collection deals with the central questions which have emerged from the break-up of the postwar political consensus around the welfare state. A series of distinguished contributors, including exponents of alternative positions on welfare from the right, left and centre, examine key issues in the disputes over the relationship between the state and welfare.

Individual chapters both explore the different political and theoretical issues in the debate, and concentrate on their application in key areas of social policy. Particular attention is given to the role of social work, and public policy and the family. The final section of the book examines the political sources of the current crisis of social policy, and the prospects for a resolution of the crisis of the welfare state.

The State or the Market is a set book on the Open University Course D211, Social Problems and Social Welfare.

Reviews
`has some very interesting and useful chapters which we shall all use in teaching' - Journal of Social Policy

Some reviews of the first edition:

`the essays... provide fresh and interesting insights into the policy debate that has taken place since 1979...' - Political Studies

`the title of this edited volume is instantly attractive: `the state or the market' conveys the essence of much of current debates amongst both intellectuals and party activists in British politics. It is likely therefore to attract a considerable audience, perhaps wider than would normally be anticipated for an Open University set book.... John Ditch's account of the development of the deserving/undeserving poor distinction is impressive as is Alan Walker's analysis of the social status of old age.... Sophie Watson's analysis of the gender assumptions informing housing policies is particularly strong....The book finishes with an excellent account of local socialism by Geoff Green, a life history analysis of welfare dependency by Jeremy Seabrook with his characteristic depth and insight, and an overview of the status of social science analysis by Jennifer Platt.... The State or the Market is a well balanced book: essayists from the Right and the Left offer analyses from their different perspectives.' - Sociology

`provides a neat review of current debates' - Critical Social Policy

Book Information
ISBN 9780803986428
Author Martin Loney
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Sage Publications Ltd
Publisher Sage Publications Ltd
Weight(grams) 340g