Unsettling Welfare

"Unsettling Welfare: The Reconstruction of Social Policy" is a book edited by Gordon Hughes and Gail Lewis, published in 2005. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Changing Relationship Between Social Welfare and the State: The book explores the evolving dynamics between social welfare, its recipients, and the state. It examines how these relationships have shifted over time, particularly focusing on the reforms of the welfare state during the 1980s and 1990s.

2. Impact of Welfare State Reforms: The book delves into the direction and impact of these reforms, analyzing their effects on various aspects of social policy. It considers how these changes have influenced access to social welfare, the definitions and constructions of social welfare, and the conflicts arising from these reforms.

3. Power Dynamics and Diversity: The book series in which "Unsettling Welfare" is part, "Social Policy: Welfare, Power and Diversity," emphasizes understanding the central themes, issues, and arguments within each chapter and across the series. This approach allows readers to grasp the broader context of social policy discussions.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a traditional narrative plot but rather a collection of essays and analyses focused on the changing landscape of social welfare. It includes contributions from various scholars who explore different facets of social policy, including the impact of neoliberal policies on welfare systems, the role of the state in providing social services, and the experiences of different groups within the welfare system.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book's inclusion in academic book series and its publication by reputable publishers suggest that it has been well-received within academic circles. The book's focus on contemporary issues in social policy and its comprehensive analysis of the welfare state's evolution make it a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers.

Publication Details

• Editors: Gordon Hughes, Gail Lewis
• Publication Date: October 5, 2005
• Series: Social Policy: Welfare, Power and Diversity
• Publisher: Routledge

Overall, "Unsettling Welfare" offers a nuanced exploration of the complex relationships between social welfare, its recipients, and the state, providing insights into the historical and contemporary challenges faced by welfare systems.