Age, Class, Politics, and the Welfare State

The authors analyze the relative impact of class and status groups versus demographic composition and political structures on the growth of welfare spending. Special attention is given to the role of he aged as they are representative of the importance of ascription and middle-class groups in welfare growth. Another focus of the study is the effect of welfare spending on income inequality.

List of contents

Preface; 1. The welfare state: some neglected considerations; 2. Theoretical perspectives on the welfare state; 3. Social welfare spending in advanced industrial democracies; 4. Social welfare spending and democratic political context; 5. Economic growth, social welfare spending, and income inequality; 6. Infant mortality, equality, and social welfare spending; 7. Conclusions: the causes and consequences of the welfare state; References.

Summary

This analysis of the growth of welfare spending examines the relative impact of class and status groups versus demographic composition and political structures. Special attention is given to the role of the aged and middle-class groups in welfare growth, and to the effect of welfare spending on income inequality.

Product details

• Authors: Fred C. Pampel, John B. Williamson
• Assisted by: Ernest Q. Campbell (Editor)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 11.09.2014
• EAN: 9780521437912
• ISBN: 978-0-521-43791-2
• No. of pages: 218
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 12 mm
• Weight: 323 g
• Series: American Sociological Associat
• Subject: Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories