Ian Greener, Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK

• 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

‘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.’