In this annual, contributors examine the development of social policy, particularly in England, Scotland and Wales, but also in a wider historical, social, and economic context. Topics on the UK include housing, health care, social security, meritocracy, and the personal social services. In a wider context, topics include social welfare in Scotland and Wales since their devolution, Labour governments in historical perspective, Christian Democracy and the "welfare without work" syndrome on the European continent, and labor market activation. This volume includes a special section on Thatcherism and social policy, including examinations of the Thatcher legacy, privatization, and the reactions to Thatcher's policies from the right and the USA. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
