Global Capital, Human Needs and Social Policies

Can the needs of capital ever be reconciled with the needs of people? To what extent can social policies bridge the gap between social rights and human welfare, and economic competitiveness in a global world? Building on his previous writings on political economy and human need, Ian Gough throws new light on these perennial questions in a series of penetrating and original essays. The conclusion is upbeat: social policy still has the potential to narrow (though never close) the gap between the drive of capital and the universal needs of people.

Autorentext

Ian Gough is Professor of Social Policy, University of Bath.

Zusammenfassung
Can the needs of capital ever be reconciled with the needs of people? The conclusion is upbeat: social policy still has the potential to narrow (though never close) the gap between the drive of capital and the universal needs of people.

Inhalt
List of Tables Preface INTRODUCTION The Needs of Capital and the Needs of People: Can the Welfare State Reconcile the Two? PART I: CAPITALISM AND WELFARE Economic Institutions and the Satisfaction of Human Needs The Fiscal Crisis of the State: The Contribution of O'Connor The Enhanced Structural Power of Capital: A Review and Assessment (with Kevin Farnsworth ) PART II: COMPARATIVE SOCIAL POLICIES AND WELFARE OUTCOMES Why Do Levels of Human Welfare Vary Across Nations? (with Theo Thomas ) Social Safety Nets in Southern Europe Enterprise Welfare and Economic Transition in Russia (with Peter McMylor ) PART III: SOCIAL POLICY, THE ECONOMY AND ALTERNATIVE FUTURES Social Welfare and Competitiveness Basic Income: Real Freedom for All? Bibliography Index