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Neoliberalism has transformed work, welfare, and democracy. However, its impacts, and its future, are more complex than we often imagine. Alongside growing inequality, social spending has been rising. Medicare was entrenched alongside privatization. How do we understand this contradictory politics, and what opportunities are there to advance equality? This book takes the three big drivers of inequality – conditionality of benefits, marketisation of services and financialisation of the life course– to explore how inequality has been contested. Alongside the rise of the market, it reveals the building blocks of a more egalitarian order and opportunities for new models of solidarity based on an ethic of care.
Progress in Political Economy (PPE)
Macquarie University Economics Society Podcast
In an era when people active in and supportive of the welfare state are feeling cornered by financial logic and the constant threat of austerity, this book opens a debate about forms of political activism that centre on welfare that should inspire many readers — Dick Bryan, Emeritus Professor, Political Economy, University of Sydney.
This is a brilliant analysis of the Australian welfare state. It reveals how deep tensions between capitalism and democracy pervade attempts to alleviate poverty and inequality. Detailed case studies show the contradictory characteristics of policies that blend public provision with reliance on markets. The book is comprehensive, insightful, up-to-date and forward-looking. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with the practicalities and politics of welfare — Frank Stilwell, Professor Emeritus in Political Economy, University of Sydney
This is a creative and optimistic book. Ben Spies-Butcher shows that, despite the march of the market and pressure to contain public spending, claims for equality still drive welfare state expansion. Australian policy innovations serve as his case, but the book’s ideas will inspire analysts and activists across rich democracies — Gabrielle Meagher, Professor Emerita, Macquarie University, Australia
“This impressive and broad-ranging book forces us to rethink the recent history of social policy in Australia. Ben Spies Butcher demonstrates a commanding understanding of the field through analysis of new marketized policy regimes, and the interdependencies between class, generation and gender that underpin persistent inequality” — Ariadne Vromen, Professor of Public Administration, Australia National University.
“This book is essential reading for anyone looking to make sense of contemporary Australian economic and social policy. Highly readable, it offers a fresh perspective based on years of practical experience and research” — Damien Cahill, Associate Professor, Political Economy, University of Sydney, General Secretary, National Tertiary Education Union
"For all of us working towards a fairer world, where those excluded from mainstream labour can be helped to survive, where we untangle our capacity to live from our capacity to sell our labour, Ben Spies-Butcher has given us a tremendous resource. Charting how we got here, through the history of marketised welfare and financialised lives, this excellent book helps us understand how we can challenge this destructive system. It will provoke important conversations" — Tim Hollo, Author of "Living Democracy: an ecological manifesto for the end of the world as we know it" and Executive Director of The Green Institute.
Politics, Inequality and the Australian Welfare State After Liberalisation is an essential read for anyone wanting to understand how the governance of our island-nation has changed over the last forty years. It is also an insight into the future of progressive reform. - The Future of Everything
Ben Spies-Butcher is an Associate Professor of Economy and Society at Macquarie University. He has published and commented widely on Australian politics, economics, and inequality.
Tables and Figures; Prelude; Chapter 1 Politics Reconstructed; Chapter 2 Liberalisation in Australia; Chapter 3 Residualising Welfare; Chapter 4 Marketising Welfare; Chapter 5 Financialising the Life Course; Chapter 6: Hybrid Policy Making; Chapter 7: Challenging Liberalised Welfare; References; Index