• What are the objectives of social security and social assistance provisions?
• How can we establish whether these provisions are effective?
• How do countries differ in the design and effectiveness of their social security systems?

This introductory textbook provides a foundation for the systematic study of social security and means-tested social assistance.

The book is structured around a model of policy evaluation, which focuses attention on the multiple objectives and outcomes of social security and provides the basis for a multi-disciplinary approach. It progresses from an examination of the varied objectives of social security, via a consideration of key implementation issues, to the establishment of measures of effectiveness and efficiency.

Throughout the text theoretical issues are illustrated with reference to the experiences of six countries: the United Kingdom, the USA, Australia, Germany, Sweden and South Korea, to provide an international comparative framework.

This is a key textbook for students of social and public policy and economics and essential reading for anyone interested in social security, social welfare and the welfare state.