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Challenges to Social Security: An International Exploration by James Midgley β€” book cover

Challenges to Social Security: An International Exploration

by James Midgley, Martin B. Tracy
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Overview

Social security systems throughout the world are faced with unprecedented challenges in response to growing criticisms about unacceptable expenditures for government programs and questions about the appropriate role of government in providing social protection through social insurance and social assistance programs. The challenges are also a result of dramatic demographic, social, and cultural changes around the world. A variety of radical and modest reform measures are currently being discussed which have the potential of significantly impacting the means of income and health care for the elderly, children, and families.

This book examines these challenges from the perspective of local analysts in both industrial and economically developing nations. The purpose of the analysis is to promote a better understanding of the integral role that social security plays in the social and economic development of diverse societies. The chapters examine the wide range of challenges to social security in Britain, Egypt and Turkey, the Netherlands, Poland, the United States, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe. An overview of the most prevalent issues are discussed, including fiscal viability, economic development, equity, administration, public confidence, and the role of social security as the primary government instrument for social protection against the loss of income and health. Essential reading for students and researchers in social policy, gerontology, and comparative social welfare.

Synopsis

Social security systems throughout the world are faced with unprecedented challenges in response to growing criticisms about unacceptable expenditures for government programs and questions about the appropriate role of government in providing social protection through social insurance and social assistance programs. The challenges are also a result of dramatic demographic, social, and cultural changes around the world. A variety of radical and modest reform measures are currently being discussed which have the potential of significantly impacting the means of income and health care for the elderly, children, and families.

This book examines these challenges from the perspective of local analysts in both industrial and economically developing nations. The purpose of the analysis is to promote a better understanding of the integral role that social security plays in the social and economic development of diverse societies. The chapters examine the wide range of challenges to social security in Britain, Egypt and Turkey, the Netherlands, Poland, the United States, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe. An overview of the most prevalent issues are discussed, including fiscal viability, economic development, equity, administration, public confidence, and the role of social security as the primary government instrument for social protection against the loss of income and health. Essential reading for students and researchers in social policy, gerontology, and comparative social welfare.

Booknews

Examines problems facing social security systems in countries ranging from the US and Britain through Poland and Uruguay to Turkey and Zimbabwe. Concludes that though cross-cultural generalizations are dangerous, administrators and politicians in industrialized countries tend to face political pressures and structural constraints that limit their ability to respond to changing conditions, and in developing countries they must also deal with the growing disparity both between and within countries. A second volume will survey solutions, particularly alternatives to the predominant insurance model. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About the Author, James Midgley

JAMES MIDGLEY is Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Professor of Social Work, Louisiana State University.

MARTIN B. TRACY is Director and Professor, School of Social Work, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Both have written extensively on international and comparative social welfare issues.

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Editorials

Booknews

Examines problems facing social security systems in countries ranging from the US and Britain through Poland and Uruguay to Turkey and Zimbabwe. Concludes that though cross-cultural generalizations are dangerous, administrators and politicians in industrialized countries tend to face political pressures and structural constraints that limit their ability to respond to changing conditions, and in developing countries they must also deal with the growing disparity both between and within countries. A second volume will survey solutions, particularly alternatives to the predominant insurance model. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Book Details

Published
March 1, 1996
Publisher
ABC-Clio, LLC
Pages
178
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780865692442

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