The Routledge International Handbook to Welfare State Systems

This path-breaking book, edited by Christian Aspalter, brings together leading experts to discuss welfare provision in 26 countries around the world. From the most advanced welfare states in Scandinavia to the developing powers of Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa and Mexico, each country-specific chapter provides a historical overview, discusses major characteristics of the welfare state system, analyses country-specific problems as well as current and future trends as well as a useful summary of the chapter’s discussions. In sum, this book provides a broad perspective of the economic, political and social processes and challenges which welfare state systems must address now and in the future.