Review of Ursula Huws, Reinventing the Welfare State: Digital Platforms and Public Policies

Abstract

abstract Ursula Huws’s book deals with the evolution of the British welfare state, from its innovative development after World War II to its profound revision in the era of neoliberal globalization. Her analysis is grounded on both field research and the reference to the wider changing historical and ideological context. This is undoubtedly a merit of the book, as well as the relationship constantly highlighted between the structure of the labour market and the welfare system. Recent information technologies are examined as important factors of the gig economy and in particular of the digital platform business. A strategic question Huws raises is the possibility of using such technologies to rebuild an efficient network of welfare services, where citizens’ democratic initiative would be coordinated with a renewed role of public policies.