Capitalism and Public Policy in the UK

First published in 1985, Capitalism and Public Policy in the UK provides a comprehensive account of the development, contemporary character and impact of public policy in the UK. It relates public policy to the distinctive features of capitalism, class relations and the state. The first chapter is used to outline the theoretical framework adopted throughout the book. This sees public policy as strongly influenced by the requirements of the capitalist mode of production, the balance of class forces, historical influences, gender divisions and international relations. Each of the subsequent chapters focuses on a particular area of policy. The relevant theoretical concepts are first introduced followed by an historical account of the development of policy with particular emphasis on the post-1945 period. Where appropriate the impact of a particular area of policy on inequalities of class, gender, race and age is examined. Finally, the impact of each area of policy and the state to the process of economic change, to class relations and to other social divisions. It will be of interest to all those studying the state, public policy and political economy generally.

Tom Burden and Mike Campbell