Before Beveridge - Welfare Before the Welfare State (Choice in Welfare 47)

In this volume leading social historians examine the 'mixed economy of welfare' that typified the era Before Beveridge. They present a picture of a complex web of interlocking institutions, involving, at the most basic level, family and neighbours, then the formal voluntary sector, which embraced both charitable and mutual aid bodies, together with services delivered by central and local government and the commercial market.This 'mixed economy of welfare' has once again become an important part of the contemporary policy maker's agenda. As a consequence, this collection of historical essays has a direct bearing on one of the most important debates of the present time.