The Welfare We Want?

In the UK, both Conservative and Labour welfare strategies have been influenced by American policies. British welfare reform has continued in recent years, while American policies appear to have stagnated. What now are the lessons of British reform for America? "The welfare we want?" presents a detailed comparison of welfare policies in the two countries. A team of international experts outlines, compares and contrasts the reform strategies pursued in each country and summarises the results to date. The editors argue that recent American reforms have failed to address key problems but that British ideas could refresh the American policy agenda. Moreover, both systems would gain from increased transatlantic policy dialogue. "The welfare we want?" is an important addition to comparative literature in the field. It addresses a wide audience of policy makers, political analysts, social welfare experts, and concerned citizens on both sides of the Atlantic. Accessibility is enhanced by use of common categories for explaining how various programmes work, and for whom. Discussion of policy is at once historically detailed and up-to-date.