Definitions of the welfare state often focus on how and why a state intervenes in the economy and welfare of the individual citizen. A welfare state does not, however, have to mean state intervention; it may merely reflect the state’s restrictions and the demands of the labor market, families, and the rest of civil society. This book covers the history of the welfare state from Chancellor Otto von Bismarck’s reforms in Germany starting in 1883 to the present day. This third edition of Historical Dictionary of the Welfare State covers the history through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 400 hundred cross-referenced entries that focus on the definitions and concepts that are the most relevant, long lasting, and important concepts. It provides insights from major areas in social science, including sociology, economics, political science, and social work. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the welfare state.

"Like others in the 'Historical Dictionary' series, this volume offers brief A-Z entries on prominent people, events, policies, and other core concepts necessary for analysis of its topic. This third edition includes several new and expanded entries, and a new appendix of related websites that will be especially convenient for those who seek current data. Greve opens with a chronology of the development of the welfare state, beginning in Greece in the sixth century BCE and proceeding through major developments in welfare societies around the globe. The introduction provides an overview of the broad topic of the welfare state and contextualizes the dictionary entries that follow. The bulk of the book is, of course, the dictionary, comprising 400-plus short, clear, cross-referenced entries. Appendixes offer convenient charts of relevant statistics (e.g., 'Public Sector Spending on Social Protection as Percentage of GDP'). The detailed bibliography, organized by major theme, will be useful to researchers wanting to explore topics in more depth. This book is a valuable reference for students of economics, public policy, and related fields. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty; general readers." - CHOICE

"Part of the series, Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements, this 3d edition contains many new and updated A-Z entries on countries, policies, institutions, important people, and other concepts necessary for an internationally based analysis. Advanced countries continue to be covered in greater detail than newer welfare states, but there is more discussion of the latter, including Third World efforts. Entries are cross-referenced and range from about 2 pages, with “welfare state” discussed in 4 pages. The author’s 11-page introduction provides past and current context to the more than 400 entries. An updated chronology starts in sixth-century B.C.E., when Greece began social assistance to soldiers, and goes to 2013, when Croatia joined the European Union. Also included are 11 statistical tables on issues like government spending, employment rates, and indicators of well being, which back up the content, and an extensive, wide-ranging bibliography on 32 topics that includes books, articles, and Websites. . . [T]his offers a short but truly historical, balanced, and integrated view of its topic. This work is recommended for public and academic libraries." - American Reference Books Annual