Social Welfare for a Global Era

International Perspectives on Policy and Practice

"By providing a comprehensive, critical and in-depth analysis of how informal and formal welfare institutions, policies and programs operate in international contexts, this book fills a significant gap in the global social welfare literature. It brilliantly and objectively exposes controversial issues with supporting and opposing arguments that makes us think about the prospects of global welfare and wellbeing in diverse contexts. Policymakers, educators and students will find this book highly engaging and useful in their practice."

“In this most timely and apposite volume, Professor James Midgley provides the first comprehensive overview of policies and action to promote social wellbeing within an international context at both national and cross-national levels. In addressing social welfare within a truly global era, he analyses not just mainstream government and market-based provision, but also the less frequently discussed areas of non-formal welfare, non-profits and faith-based initiatives, professional social work and international social development. Thanks to this valuable publication, a far more complete picture is now emerging of the true scope and implications of international social welfare policy in a worldwide context.”

“In his new book, James Midgley provides an excellent and up-to-date account of the way different social welfare institutions are promoting people’s well-being around the world. This informative and readable book shows how international social policy and practice can foster their welfare. It fills an important gap in our knowledge of international social welfare in a changing global environment. It should be widely consulted by scholars, practitioners, policymakers and students.”

“This text should become a ‘must read’ for students and scholars interested in global social welfare, humanitarian aid, and inter-governmental organizations. Midgley once again has presented an eloquent historical and theoretical analysis of the evolution of the current global systems of welfare.”

"A comprehensive reading to follow the current social welfare theories, issues, debates, policies and practical challenges in today’s globalized societies." 

“This book provides a reflection of international social welfare development over centuries, culminating in a global view of the state of the world today—the world social situation, with an attached map which indicates various possible routes to take in order to arrive at one world view of enhancing global social welfare.” 

“Jim Midgley has a scope of vision that is unmatched by other social welfare scholars in the United States. We have benefitted for many years from his astonishing grasp of history and range of international comparisons. In his new book, Social Welfare for a Global Era, Midgley asks us to consider the fundamental question: What is purposeful social action for? The book is well organized and clearly written. Engaging examples enliven the text. Thoughtful readings at the end of each chapter enrich the educational value. In the final chapter, a “one world” perspective distills promising pathways forward. Social Welfare for a Global Era can serve as a basic text in social welfare, or in international social welfare. It provides a strong foundation for more specific social welfare topics, whether local, national, or international.” 

“Jim Midgley brings together a world of experience and a vast breadth of knowledge in presenting this new and incisive analysis of the concepts, history and current challenges relating to social welfare around the world.  At once an introductory text and also an analysis which expands the boundaries of current thinking in global social welfare, this volume has a great deal to offer both the beginning student and the established scholar in the field.”

“Social Welfare for a Global Era makes a truly important contribution to the field of international/comparative social welfare. It raises new kinds of questions, illuminates neglected themes, and prompts a reassessment of familiar topics. The prose is sparkling and the insights are manifold. It will be an essential read for undergraduate and postgraduate students in social work and social administration.”