Social Welfare in Britain 1885-1985

This collection of documents follows the same format as Pope and Hoyle‘s British Economic Performance (1984), to provide a survey of the main developments in social welfare. Students of economic and social history and of social policy and administration are being required to do more and more work with original documents, and this collection is tailored to meet their needs. The primary sources are presented in two sections, covering the periods 1885-c. 1940 and c. 1940 to 1985. During the former, ideas on, and the scope of, welfare provision, broadened greatly. There was a sense of progress. Developments though were piecemeal. There was no conception of aWelfare State. The second period begins with the changes associated with the assumption that Britain was establishing a Welfare State. But the hopes of 1940 have not been fulfilled, and there has been growing speculation about the value of such an organisation of society. The extracts reflect these changes. They are grouped under the headings to facilitate reference. Students at all levels, especially A-level, first degree and professional training courses, will find the book a valuable resource. Materials included are drawn from minutes of evidence, newspapers, political party publications and professional bodies and groups.

What would it mean to conceive of the sacred as a source of knowledge that is as vital as the secular? What insights does a contemplative approach yield in analysing neoliberal globalisation or Hindu fundamentalism? Is a dew drop sacred, or is it secular? In today‘s charged atmosphere many believe that the sacred is best kept firmly apart from the realm of the secular. SacredSecular: Contemplative Cultural Critique offers a contrasting view. It argues that the two are indivisible and can productively interweave in illuminating key contemporary issues. Essays investigate the quotidian (trash, cut flowers), the philosophical (advaita, karma), the economic (work, globalisation) and the political (war, violence). Mani invites us to rethink the prevailing view that secularism is the only progressive response to religious authoritarianism. SacredSecular proposes a conceptual approach in which body, mind, heart, nature, matter and spirit are not merely equals, but equally crucial to crafting an inclusive vision and practice. This book addresses several audiences: scholars of contemporary Indian society and culture, spiritual practitioners striving to integrate their practice with their politics, and all those interested in contemplating the present and what it portends for our collective future.