Welfare state and its aftermath / edited by S. N. Eisenstadt and Ora Ahimeir

The welfare state has succeeded. Firmly established in some countries, evolving more slowly in others, the welfare state has become a permanent feature of most modern states. Without a doubt, it has transformed most contemporary societies but not always according to the vision that created it. The standard of living and life expectancy in the welfare state have risen considerably. At the same time the notion of poverty has undergone a radical transformation, changing from extreme to relative distress or deprivation. However, in recent years it has become apparent that the measures introduced by the welfare state neither lived up to the original expectations of its creators nor have they caught up with the new roblems which keep appearing. The Welfare State and Its Aftermath contains contributions by twenty three distinguished scholars and experts who have determined research and policy planning in some ten countries around the globe. Individually and collectively they attempt to assess achievements. hopes and criticisms of the welfare state, the calls for re-evaluation of the path of democratic societies and the role of welfare services in shaping social policies in the post-welfare state era.

The stimulating and sometimes unorthodox views expressed in this book are of utmost importance to scholars and decision makers in the field of social services as they throw light on the image and the quality of today's and tomorrow's democracy.