Welfare Reform and Social Investment Policy

Abstract

Social investment policies have enjoyed prominence during recent welfare reforms across the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) world, and yet there is insufficient long-term strategy for their success. Reviewing labour market, family and education policies, this book analyses the emergence of social investment policies in both Europe and East Asia. Adopting a life course perspective and examining both public and private investments, the book addresses key contemporary policy issues including care, learning, work, social mobility and inequalities. Providing original observations, the book explores the roads and barriers towards effective social investment policies, derives practical social policy implications and highlights important lessons for future policymaking.