The State or the Market: Politics and Welfare in Contemporary Britain (Published in association with The Open University) - Tapa dura

Some reviews of the first edition:

`the essays... provide fresh and interesting insights into the policy debate that has taken place since 1979...' - Political Studies

`the title of this edited volume is instantly attractive: `the state or the market' conveys the essence of much of current debates amongst both intellectuals and party activists in British politics. It is likely therefore to attract a considerable audience, perhaps wider than would normally be anticipated for an Open University set book.... John Ditch's account of the development of the deserving/undeserving poor distinction is impressive as is Alan Walker's analysis of the social status of old age.... Sophie Watson's analysis of the gender assumptions informing housing policies is particularly strong....The book finishes with an excellent account of local socialism by Geoff Green, a life history analysis of welfare dependency by Jeremy Seabrook with his characteristic depth and insight, and an overview of the status of social science analysis by Jennifer Platt.... The State or the Market is a well balanced book: essayists from the Right and the Left offer analyses from their different perspectives.' - Sociology

`provides a neat review of current debates' - Critical Social Policy

Individual chapters both explore the different political and theoretical issues in the debate, and concentrate on their application in key areas of social policy. Particular attention is given to the role of social work, and public policy and the family. The final section of the book examines the political sources of the current crisis of social policy, and the prospects for a resolution of the crisis of the welfare state.

The State or the Market is a set book on the Open University Course D211, Social Problems and Social Welfare.