Good Times, Bad Times: The Welfare Myth of Them and Us

Two-thirds of UK government spending now goes to the welfare state, and where the money is spent—healthcare, education, pensions, benefits—is the center of political and public debate. Much of that debate is dominated by the myth that the population is divided into those who benefit from the welfare state and those who pay into it. But this groundbreaking book, written by a top UK social policy expert, uses extensive research and survey evidence to challenge that view. It shows that our complex and ever-changing lives mean that all of us rely on the welfare state throughout our lifetimes, not just a small welfare-dependent minority. Using everyday life stories and engaging graphics, John Hills clearly demonstrates how the facts are far removed from the popular misconceptions.