A fascinating interpretation of the evolution of social policy in modern Ireland, as the product of a triangulated relationship between church, state and capital.

Fred Powell is Professor of Social Policy at University College Cork (UCC) and was Dean of Social Sciences from 2008 - 2014. He currently chairs the University's Social Responsibility Committee (USREP) and is UCC's representative on the Irish University Association's Committee on Community Engagement. He is the author of several books, including The politics of civil society and Dark secrets of childhood, both published by Policy Press.

Introduction;
Why the welfare state matters;
Revolution, culture and society;
Welfare in the Free State;
Religious nationalism, sectarianism and anti-semitism;
The welfare state debate;
Poverty and social inequality;
Liberty, gender and sexuality;
The marketisation of the welfare state;
Crisis, austerity and water;
Conclusion.