During the last twenty years vast numbers of working age men have moved completely out of the labor market into "early retirement" or "long-term sickness" and to take on new household roles. These trends contrast greatly to rising labor market participation among women. Based on research in the U.K. presented in an international perspective, this book offers a detailed exploration of the varied circumstances "detached men" are living in and challenges assumptions about the true state of the labor market.

Written by a carefully selected team of experts, this comprehensive dictionary introduces the major terms, issues and debates in British social policy.

This four volume set provides a focal point for the study and analysis of welfare in developed societies. It comprises the key contributions that have been made to the understanding of welfare by leading theorists and researchers of social policy over the past century or so. In particular, it draws on seminal articles and papers published in academic journals and major edited collections which have been important in underpinning both later academic study and policy development. A wide historical reach gives readers across the world access to a range of material that focuses on international...