How does social spending relate to economic growth and which countries have got this right and wrong? Peter H. Lindert provides a compelling global guide to public education, health care, pensions, and welfare provision, and links them to inequality and fiscal redistribution.
Growing Public examines the question of whether social policies that redistribute income impose constraints on economic growth. Lindert argues that, contrary to the intuition of many economists and the ideology of many politicians, social spending has contributed to, rather than inhibited, economic growth.
Placing international economics within an historical framework, this text focuses on policy. To help students appreciate the relevance of theory to world economics, there are applications taken from real economic situations, while the data has been updated to reflect current information.
The book explores the relationship between social spending and economic growth, challenging the common belief that income redistribution hinders economic progress. Peter Lindert presents evidence showing that social policies can positively influence growth, offering a comprehensive view of the evolution of social spending over time. This analysis provides a fresh perspective on the debates surrounding taxes and transfers, emphasizing the beneficial role of social policies in fostering economic development.
The book explores critical demographic and political challenges facing the welfare state, focusing on the growing anti-immigrant sentiment and the implications of an aging population. It examines how these factors threaten the sustainability of social programs and the overall welfare system, providing insights into the potential consequences for society and policy-making. Through detailed analysis, it highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies to address these pressing issues.