Double standard : social policy in Europe and the United States

James W. Russell has written a sober, well-informed, and temperate overview of the divergent development of social welfare programs in Europe and the United States. As these programs have become more important, the political battles over them have also become more heated. This book is a remarkably sensible antidote to the inflamed politics of the moment. -- Frances Fox Piven, distinguished professor of sociology and political science, CUNY Graduate Center; author of Poor Peoples' Movements and Challeng Russell outdoes himself in this updated second edition of what was already a fine book. He has amassed the latest U.S. and European statistical materials, added a new section on U.S. health care reform, and penned an insightful afterword on how Americans and Europeans are faring in the current Great Recession. Double Standard remains an eye-opener and required text for all those committed to self-education and the education of others in the political economy of everyday life. -- Levon Chorbajian, University of Massachusetts; author of Urban Society: The Shame of Governance (with Robert Grantham) Scholars of comparative social policy often include a chapter on the USA to show how far it has to go before it could be regarded as having a welfare state. In this closely argued, detailed and meticulous book Russell compares the development of social policies in the USA and in European states, pointing out areas where there are significant differences of approach but also those where one has borrowed from another. The strong historical and philosophical basis for Russell's analysis 'continues to make this a novel, engaging and challenging addition to the comparative literature and an important source book for scholars of the US welfare system. -- Gary Craig, Professor Emeritus, University of Hull, United Kingdom In the second edition of Double Standard, James Russell hits a home run. By examining the basic facts on a wide range of topics, Russell allows American students to see that there is a variety of forms of capitalism, some more humane than others. Moreover, by examining the policies that have succeeded and failed in the U.S. and other advanced nations, the book offers readers some hope that the current condition of the U.S. can be improved. Kudos to Russell for making a complex topic understandable, even enjoyable, without over-simplifying. -- Peter Dreier, Dr. E.P. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics, Occidental College Double Standard is accessible, responsible, historically-minded and classically informed comparative social policy and political sociology. One can only hope others take Russell's example of how to write and do the social sciences. While capturing nuanced differences among European countries, this updated Double Standard shows students and scholars the main areas of difference between European approaches to social inclusion and American individualism. -- Robert J. S. Ross, Clark University Praise from the first edition: James Russell restores my faith in sociology as the best line of inquiry into nagging political questions that too often get assigned to narrow-minded economists. We need books like this to combat academic provincialism as much as to correct social inequality. -- John R. MacArthur, Publisher of Harper's Magazine and author of The Selling of Free Trade It reads like an introductory textbook for students or an accessible social policy book for the politically interested...By introducing the reader to the fundamental political conceptions and main social policy areas, th book provides a helpful introduction for those not familiar with social policy thinking and development. Journal Of Social Policy 再读一些...