The Origins of the British Welfare State Society, State and Social Welfare in England and Wales 1800-1945

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the history of social welfare and social policy in Britain before the modern welfare state. It examines the role played by voluntary social provision (including self-help and mutual aid), as well as the growth of state intervention, in meeting welfare needs. It offers detailed coverage of all the main areas of social policy and provides an introduction to the competing theoretical explanations for the growth of welfare states over the last 200 years.

Bernard Harris is a Senior Lecturer in Social Policy, Department of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Southampton.