The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism

Rating:
Summary: essential reading
Review: As a policy analysis grad-student, I couldn`t help but like this book. In a field where so many authors stick slavishly to what they can PROVE empirically, Esping-Andersen dares to ask big questions and think big thoughts. Interpreting the welfare state from a nineteenth centuryesque political economy perspective, he provides real insight, and defends his Marxist-inspired interpretation with flair and not a little bit of style. Not only that, but his exposition is clear and (dare I say?) kind of fun to read. If you want to understand why all rich western societies spend a BIG chunk of GDP on the welfare state, this is a great place to start

Rating:
Summary: Esping-Andersen Thinks Big Thoughts
Review: As a policy analysis grad-student, I couldn`t help but like this book. In a field where so many authors stick slavishly to what they can PROVE empirically, Esping-Andersen dares to ask big questions and think big thoughts. Interpreting the welfare state from a nineteenth centuryesque political economy perspective, he provides real insight, and defends his Marxist-inspired interpretation with flair and not a little bit of style. Not only that, but his exposition is clear and (dare I say?) kind of fun to read. If you want to understand why all rich western societies spend a BIG chunk of GDP on the welfare state, this is a great place to start

Rating:
Summary: essential reading
Review: This book blew me away when I read it. In fact, I read it again as soon as I finished it. This book is thoroughly documented to support the author's point. Whereas John Stephens focused more on total spending on welfare state programs, Esping-Andersen pointed to the crucial role that ideology plays in the structure of the welfare state. The structure of the programs often being more important than the total amount of money spent. Anyway, I don't need to recount the details of his argument. This book was a paradigm shifting, enlightening experience. I understand the world better because of this book. I think you will too.