Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This book explores the relation between economic liberalism and social policy in Australia. The book covers the key trends in economic and social policy over the past 25 years, showing how economic liberalism, despite all positive economic indicators, has contributed to an increase in unemployment, inequality, social dysfunction and alienation.
Synopsis
This book explores the relation between economic liberalism and social policy in Australia. How do social policies operate in a fiercely individualist market economy, and what role ought the government play to ensure effective market-based solutions? Why is it that quality of life has diminished as the economy has undergone sustained growth? The book covers the key trends in economic and social policy over the past 25 years, showing how economic liberalism, despite all positive economic indicators, has contributed to an increase in unemployment, inequality, social dysfunction and alienation.
Table of Contents
Introduction; 1. The paradox of affluence; Part I. Economic and social performance; 2. Has the economy delivered?; 3. Legitimacy of the welfare state; Part II. The changing socioeconomic landscape; 4. Employment and unemployment; 5. Income and living standards; 6. Poverty and exclusion; 7. Inequality; Part III. Reform directions and strategies; 8. Welfare reform; 9. Re-mapping the contours of welfare