Welfare, neo-liberalism and new paternalism: three ways for social policy in late capitalist societies

This article presents an overview of three tendencies in advanced capitalist societies as far as social policy is concerned. These are characterised as 'welfare state', 'neo-liberal' and 'new paternalist'. The article characterises each phase and shows how each is a response or reaction to what went before. Related sets of theories and key concepts can be seen to perform both explanatory and ideological roles. The article ends by setting out an alternative way forward towards a society organised around principles of social justice, equality and democracy.