The Politics of Social Solidarity
Class Bases of the European Welfare State, 1875–1975

his book examines the social bases of the European welfare state of five nations.

Peter Baldwin (Author)

9780521428934, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 23 April 1992

368 pages
22.6 x 15.1 x 2.1 cm, 0.54 kg

' … definitely one of the most invigorating and sharp analyses that has been produced over the last ten years on the theory of the evolution of the modern welfare state.' Journal of Public Policy

This book examines the social bases of the European welfare state, and the interests developed in or against social policy by various classes of society, during the period 1875–1975 in Britain, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. By analysing the competing concerns of different social factors that lie behind the evolution of social policy, it explains why some nations have had an easy time in developing a generous and solidaristic welfare state while others fought long and entrenched battles. In particular, the book examines the period after the Second World War and looks in detail at the stake developed by the bourgeoisie in welfare policies. By casting its net across five nations and virtually a whole century, the book attempts to establish a broad logic of interest behind the welfare state on the basis of a very extensive range of archival material.

Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. The origins of the solidaristic welfare state: Scandinavia
2. The triumph of the solidaristic welfare state: Britain and Scandinavia
3. The failure of the solidaristic welfare state: France and Germany
4. From Beveridge back to Bismarck: the superannuation issue
5. Solidarity by the back door
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], European history [HBJD]