For politicians and policy-makers almost everywhere, the future of the welfare state has forced itself to the top of the political agenda. Beyond the Welfare State? represents a sophisticated and comprehensive introduction to the problems with which these policy-makers must struggle. This new edition of Beyond the Welfare State? has been thoroughly revised and updated drawing on the latest theoretical developments and empirical evidence. It remains the most comprehensive and sophisticated guide to the condition of the welfare state in a time of rapid and sometimes bewildering change. The opening chapters develop a scholarly but accessible review of competing views of the historical and contemporary roles of the welfare state. This evaluation draws upon the most recent empirical research an