Double standard: social policy in Europe and the United States

Abstract

1 Introduction: From Social Problems to Social Policies: Structural Contexts, Social Theory and Ideology, Social Policy, Comparing Europe and the United States 2 The Social Worldview of Medieval Christianity as Prologue 3 Secular Transitions and Assumptions: Equality, Good and Evil, Reason and Irrationality 4 Marx, Durkheim, and the Limits of Laissez-faire Capitalism: Marx and the Logic of Commodification, Durkheim and Social Solidarity 5 From Theory to Ideology: Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism, Ideology and Culture, Conservative Counter Reforms 6 Origins of Social Policy in Europe and the United States: Origins of Social Policy, Europe, The United States 7 Alternative Approaches to Social Policy: Social Policy Options-Responsibility, Providers, Eligibility, Beneficiaries, Comprehensiveness of Benefits, Financing Comparative Welfare States 8 Social Cohesion and Inequality: Equality of Opportunity Social Cohesion Income Inequality Inequality Reduction - Public Sector, Socialized Consumption, Progressive Taxation, Inequality Reduction in Europe and the United States 9 Poverty: Meanings and Types, Measuring Poverty, Poverty Reduction, The Politics of Poverty Reduction 10 Unemployment: The Sword of Damocles: Historical Origins, First Unemployment Crises, Economic Functions of Unemployment, Social Consequences, Social Policy - Maximizing Employment, Unemployment Relief 11 Support for Child Raising: The Family as Child Welfare Provider: Past and Present, Socializing the Costs of Child Raising - Maternity and Paternity Leaves, Family Allowances, Child Care, Public Education Child Poverty and Poverty Reduction 12 Support for the Aged: Development of Retirement Systems, Defined-Benefit versus Defined-Contribution Retirement Systems, National Retirement Systems, Elderly Poverty and Poverty Reduction 13 Health Care: Development of National Health Insurance, Comparative Health Systems, Reform Policy 14 Ethnic and Racial Policy: National Identity, Internal Minorities, Immigrant Minorities - Migration from Developing Countries, Migrant Death, Agricultural Modernization and Migration: Mexico and Spain Social Policy - Assimilation versus Multiculturalism, 15 Incarceration as Social Policy 16 Summary: Principles for Progressive Social Policy: Values and Goals, Principles for Progressive Social Policy, Community Welfare, Social Inclusion, Social Solidarity, Anomie Prevention, Social Equality and Poverty Reduction, Decommodification, Increasing 17 Notes, Bibliography, Index, About the Author