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Political Science History & Theory

Power Resource Theory and the Welfare State

A Critical Approach

edited by Julia S. O'Connor & Gregg M. Olsen

Publisher
University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Initial publish date
Aug 1998
Category
History & Theory, Social Policy, Social Work
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442678675
    Publish Date
    Jul 1998
    List Price
    $51.00
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802071712
    Publish Date
    Aug 1998
    List Price
    $44.95

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Description

This collection of essays looks at power resources theory (PRT), a groundbreaking approach to political theory that builds upon the existing strengths of Marxist theorizing while addressing its weaknesses. Rather than simply asserting that all social policies in all capitalist societies exist to maintain capitalism and serve the long-term interests of the capitalist class, PRT examines the nature and impact of social policies and the level and types of social inequality in a variety of advanced capitalist nations. Approaches to social policy and the impacts of these policies vary a great deal from country to country. It is these variations that PRT seeks to account for, focusing on the strengths and organization of the labour movements in various nations.

The editors have compiled essays that examine PRT in general, as well as essays that offer critical analysis of PRT. As existing summations of state theory literature largely omit PRT, this anthology is essential reading for anyone interested in social policy and radical approaches to social welfare.

About the authors

Julia S. O'Connor is Director of the National Economic and Social Council in Dublin, Ireland.

Julia S. O'Connor's profile page

Gregg M. Olsen is professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Manitoba. His other books include The Politics of the Welfare State and Power and Inequality.

Gregg M. Olsen's profile page

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