Double Standard: Social Policy in Europe and the United States

A third edition of this textbook is now available. In the second edition of Double Standard, James W. Russell shows how and why different models of social and welfare policy developed in the United States and Europe. He comparatively examines how Europe and the United States have handled common social problems such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, family support, health care provision, ethnic and racial conflict, and crime. These different social policy orientations have produced disparate social ways of life, ways of life that are now in contention for the future of western societies. Today Europeans see their strong welfare states as necessary to counter the worst features of unrestrained capitalism. They pay high taxes to support generous social benefits. Americans, to the contrary, have been conditioned to shudder at the idea of a welfare state, upholding instead a laissez-faire faith in market solutions to social problems. They pay low taxes and have few tax-subsidized benefits. This new edition includes the latest available statistical information as well as an analysis of the 2010 health care reform in the United States. The book also compares the social consequences of the latest recession in Europe and the United States.

About the Author :
James W. Russell is Connecticut State University Professor of Sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Review :
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 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 asmuch as to correct social inequality....--John R. MacArthur, Publisher of Harper's Magazine and author of The Selling of Free Trade 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 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 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 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 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)