James W. Russell is adjunct professor of political science at Portland State University, Hatfield School of Government. He previously served as University Professor of Sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University and is author of eight books, including Social Insecurity: 401(k)s and the Retirement Crisis. He is a regular blogger at the Huffington Post.

• Introduction: From Social Problems to Social PoliciesPart I: The Development of Social Policy1 The Social Worldview of Medieval Christianity as Prologue2 Secular Transitions and Assumptions3 The Limits of Laissez-Faire Capitalism4 From Theory to Ideology and Politics5 Origins of Social Policy in Europe and the United States6 Comparative Welfare StatesPart II: Key Social Policies7 Inequality and Social Cohesion8 Poverty9 Unemployment: The Sword of Damocles10 Support for Child Raising and Education11 Retirement and Disability12 Health Care13 Race and Immigration14 Incarceration as Social PolicySummary: Principles for Progressive Social Policy

James W. Russell has written a sober, well-informed, and temperate overview of the divergent development of social welfare programs in Europe and the United States. As these programs have become more important, the political battles over them have also become more heated. This book is a remarkably sensible antidote to the inflamed politics of the moment.

James W. Russell is adjunct professor of political science at Portland State University, Hatfield School of Government. He previously served as University Professor of Sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University and is author of eight books, including Social Insecurity: 401(k)s and the Retirement Crisis. He is a regular blogger at the Huffington Post.

• Introduction: From Social Problems to Social PoliciesPart I: The Development of Social Policy1 The Social Worldview of Medieval Christianity as Prologue2 Secular Transitions and Assumptions3 The Limits of Laissez-Faire Capitalism4 From Theory to Ideology and Politics5 Origins of Social Policy in Europe and the United States6 Comparative Welfare StatesPart II: Key Social Policies7 Inequality and Social Cohesion8 Poverty9 Unemployment: The Sword of Damocles10 Support for Child Raising and Education11 Retirement and Disability12 Health Care13 Race and Immigration14 Incarceration as Social PolicySummary: Principles for Progressive Social Policy

James W. Russell has written a sober, well-informed, and temperate overview of the divergent development of social welfare programs in Europe and the United States. As these programs have become more important, the political battles over them have also become more heated. This book is a remarkably sensible antidote to the inflamed politics of the moment.

James W. Russell is adjunct professor of political science at Portland State University, Hatfield School of Government. He previously served as University Professor of Sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University and is author of eight books, including Social Insecurity: 401(k)s and the Retirement Crisis. He is a regular blogger at the Huffington Post.

• Introduction: From Social Problems to Social PoliciesPart I: The Development of Social Policy1 The Social Worldview of Medieval Christianity as Prologue2 Secular Transitions and Assumptions3 The Limits of Laissez-Faire Capitalism4 From Theory to Ideology and Politics5 Origins of Social Policy in Europe and the United States6 Comparative Welfare StatesPart II: Key Social Policies7 Inequality and Social Cohesion8 Poverty9 Unemployment: The Sword of Damocles10 Support for Child Raising and Education11 Retirement and Disability12 Health Care13 Race and Immigration14 Incarceration as Social PolicySummary: Principles for Progressive Social Policy

James W. Russell has written a sober, well-informed, and temperate overview of the divergent development of social welfare programs in Europe and the United States. As these programs have become more important, the political battles over them have also become more heated. This book is a remarkably sensible antidote to the inflamed politics of the moment.