Hardback
Welfare States in the 21st Century
The New Five Giants Confronting Societal Progress
9781800370784 Edward Elgar Publishing
On the 80th anniversary of Beveridge’s report on the ‘Five Giants’ confronting societal progress in the 1940s, this innovative book examines the ‘New Giants’ confronting us today: inequality, preventable mortality, the crisis of democracy, job quality, and environmental degradation. Ian Greener uses Qualitative Comparative Analysis and cluster analysis across 24 countries to analyse which countries are the highest performing in relation to each of the New Giants, and what they have in common.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
On the 80th anniversary of Beveridge’s report on the ‘Five Giants’ confronting societal progress in the 1940s, this innovative book examines the ‘New Giants’ confronting us today: inequality, preventable mortality, the crisis of democracy, job quality, and environmental degradation. Ian Greener uses Qualitative Comparative Analysis and cluster analysis across 24 countries to analyse which countries are the highest performing in relation to each of the New Giants, and what they have in common.
The book indicates that confronting the New Giants requires more participative modes of governance, as well as a greater commitment to redistributing wealth and achieving higher levels of education. Greener also highlights how higher levels of globalization, so long as they are combined with these factors, can be compatible with confronting the New Giants. The book further considers how these factors combined in countries with lower levels of mortality in the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This will be critical reading for social policy and politics scholars and policy makers interested in comparative analysis. The clear explanation of the research methods used in the book will be useful to advanced level students and researchers in the field.
The book indicates that confronting the New Giants requires more participative modes of governance, as well as a greater commitment to redistributing wealth and achieving higher levels of education. Greener also highlights how higher levels of globalization, so long as they are combined with these factors, can be compatible with confronting the New Giants. The book further considers how these factors combined in countries with lower levels of mortality in the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This will be critical reading for social policy and politics scholars and policy makers interested in comparative analysis. The clear explanation of the research methods used in the book will be useful to advanced level students and researchers in the field.
Critical Acclaim
‘Greener, in his great book, is actually saying that we live in a completely new age, but its pains and joys are very closely related to historical experience and the achievements that humanity has realised. As a response to a new situation and to a turning point in history, there is no need to look for completely new tools. It is only necessary to identify precisely the giants to which we must respond and, at the same time, examine what tools to use to respond to these giants as they are, which to modify and which to use in a completely new way. The book and its presence in libraries will certainly be appreciated not only by students and researchers, but also by anyone who is concerned with the conception or use of any sociopolitical tool - in short, all those who come into contact with social protection in the broadest sense of the word, whether as providers or recipients.’
– European Journal of Social Security
‘There is much in this book that will be of interest to social policy scholars who will commend the author's attempt to examine current social challenges in the historical context of the Beveridge Report. The book is well-written, and its methodology and statistical analysis are clearly explained. In addition, the author raises a number of critically important issues which have not been adequately addressed by social policy writers. ... an ambitious and welcome addition to the literature which deserves to be widely read.’
– Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare
‘How can Beveridge’s “Five Giants” be rearticulated as key social problems in contemporary society? Which countries do better than others in responding to these problems and why? These are important questions, and Ian Greener’s book addresses them with a fascinating and original analysis, making use of a combination of comparative methods which help to illustrate the different ways in which countries deal with societal challenges. This book is a “must read” for all those interested in the role of social policies and institutions in modern welfare states.’
– Jochen Clasen, The University of Edinburgh, UK
‘This text is essential reading for the study of comparative social policy. It explores and accounts for the five “New Giants” for 24 developed nations using the relatively novel approach of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). It is the right book at the right time by the right person.’
– Martin Powell, University of Birmingham, UK
– European Journal of Social Security
‘There is much in this book that will be of interest to social policy scholars who will commend the author's attempt to examine current social challenges in the historical context of the Beveridge Report. The book is well-written, and its methodology and statistical analysis are clearly explained. In addition, the author raises a number of critically important issues which have not been adequately addressed by social policy writers. ... an ambitious and welcome addition to the literature which deserves to be widely read.’
– Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare
‘How can Beveridge’s “Five Giants” be rearticulated as key social problems in contemporary society? Which countries do better than others in responding to these problems and why? These are important questions, and Ian Greener’s book addresses them with a fascinating and original analysis, making use of a combination of comparative methods which help to illustrate the different ways in which countries deal with societal challenges. This book is a “must read” for all those interested in the role of social policies and institutions in modern welfare states.’
– Jochen Clasen, The University of Edinburgh, UK
‘This text is essential reading for the study of comparative social policy. It explores and accounts for the five “New Giants” for 24 developed nations using the relatively novel approach of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). It is the right book at the right time by the right person.’
– Martin Powell, University of Birmingham, UK
Contents
Contents: 1. The Beveridge Report today 2. The New Giants 3. The method in Welfare States in the 21st Century 4. Inequality 5. Preventable mortality 6. The crisis of democracy 7. Job quality 8. Environmental degradation Conclusion to Welfare States in the 21st Century Epilogue: the New Giants and COVID-19 Bibliography Index
