Social Security and Welfare: Concepts and ComparisonsWhat are the objectives of social security and social assistance provisions? How can we establish whether these provisions are effective? How do countries differ in the design and effectiveness of their social security systems? This introductory textbook provides a foundation for the systematic study of social security and means-tested social assistance. The book is structured around a model of policy evaluation, which focuses attention on the multiple objectives and outcomes of social security and provides the basis for a multi-disciplinary approach. It progresses from an examination of the varied objectives of social security, via a consideration of key implementation issues, to the establishment of measures of effectiveness and efficiency. Throughout the text theoretical issues are illustrated with reference to the experiences of six countries: the United Kingdom, the USA, Australia, Germany, Sweden and South Korea, to provide an international comparative framework. This is a key textbook for students of social and public policy and economics and essential reading for anyone interested in social security, social welfare and the welfare state. |
Contents
Aims and Objectives | 21 |
Functions and Constraints | 42 |
Changing behaviour | 48 |
Copyright | |
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achieved adequacy threshold administration applicants assessment Australia average benefit levels benefit recipients Britain cent Centrelink Chapter claimants comparatively Comparison contributions costs countries defined dependent disability disincentives earnings economic effect eligibility employers employment entitlement equivalence scales equivalized evaluation example expenditure Figure funding Germany Gini coefficient global groups horizontal redistribution implementation incentives increase individuals inequality jurisdictions Korea labour market less living standards lone parents Lorenz curve marginal deduction rate means testing means-tested measure negative income tax OECD original income paid payments pension percentage person policy objectives political population poverty gap poverty threshold programme proportion ratio receipt receive reduce response risk savings schemes social assistance social insurance social security administration social security benefits social security provision social security systems spending staff stigma strategy Sweden take-up TANF targeting efficiency tax credits taxation Theil index wage Walker workers workfare