• Book Cover; Title; Contents; Introduction; Ideology welfare; Women, social welfare, social work in Victorian society; Women the family since the Second World War; Welfare since the War; Welfare in the twentieth century; Welfare war; Women welfare: past future; References; Subject Index; Author Index.

Rights formerly guaranteed by our 'welfare state' are disappearing. Social spending has been cut drastically in an attempt to combat recession, globalization and restructuring, and the deficit. The decline of the welfare state poses special risks for women. The policies, benefits, and services of the welfare state are directly linked to women's basic freedoms.