This book analyzes the impact of choice on welfare states in Europeand asks whether the shift towards more choice will ultimatelybenefit the users and providers of the welfare state, and have apositive impact on society as a whole.
* Explores the recent focus on choice in many welfare states,which has created a more market-orientated approach, changed usersto consumers, and increased emphasis on private providers
* Examines the impact of these recent reforms on equality, notonly from an economic perspective, but also in relation to gender,education, age, and access to services
* Draws on examples from different European countries and sectorsof the welfare state, including the UK, Germany, Italy, theNetherlands, Scandinavia, and the Czech Republic
* Informed by theoretical and empirical approaches, and uses avariety of methodologies