Social Policy in Capitalist History: Perspectives on Poverty, Work and Society

Tracing the origins of modern social policy back from the early capitalist societies of Europe to the present era of global neoliberal capitalism, Bugra explores the debates on social assistance, labour market regulation and social risk protection in different phases of capitalist history. Chapters discuss liberal, conservative and socialist imaginations of society and conceptualisations of social justice, highlighting the complexity of the conflicts and alliances shaping the politics of social policy. The book ultimately draws attention to the contemporary relevance of the history of social policy and politics for the current state of global politics, marked by the rise of authoritarian populist trends. Bringing a unique perspective to critical scholarship on capitalism, Social Policy in Capitalist History will prove indispensable to academics and postgraduate students of economic history and sociology, social policy, industrial and employment relations and political economy.