Edward Elgar Publishing The Economics of Social Policy

This unique book demonstrates how instruments of economics can be usefully employed to analyse social policy. The merits and limits of social policy programmes are discussed as answers to problems of market societies. Taking this enlightened approach, the author addresses key issues such as access to health services, pension programmes, unemployment, poverty and family support. Microeconomic tools are used to evaluate the rationale behind these programmes, underpinning the theoretical propositions with strong empirical research. Unusually, economic values are shown to harmonise with, rather than condemn, ideas of social protection. Providing information about institutional structures of social policy programmes in many countries, this book will be a must for academics and students interested in social policy and the welfare state. Furthermore, those who want to follow the political and scientific discussion of social policy matters will find this book invaluable. Review 'This is going to be a most useful book. . . It is sensible, informed, well-argued, and clear, and there is a good balance between theory and the results of empirical research. . . For both teachers and students this will prove to be a valuable textbook; and for politicians, commentators, and others, it will be a helpful resource, showing how useful economic theory can be when social policy is discussed, and also what its proper limits are.' -- Citizen's Income About the Author Peter G. Rosner, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Vienna, Austria