This book addresses the concept of need and how needs can be, and are, met in western societies. Different models of welfare provision are examined both in theoretical terms and through two case studies: of models of pension provision and of the connection between the satisfaction of needs and electoral success for governments. This timely study makes an important contribution to the understanding of welfare and politics in advanced industrial western states.
The idea of need has become politically controversial. This book is about the idea of need and the ways needs can be, and are met in western societies. It discusses the provision of welfare by the state and by private or voluntary organizations and the rights of citizens to welfare.
