First published between 1985 and 1992, this set of books analyses social welfare in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, highly developed economies and socialist countries at the time.

Each title considers the ideological framework underlying the social welfare system for each country and describes the historical development of both the system and the political and socio-economic context. Each chapter looks at the structure and administration of the systems in place and how these are financed. Contributions examine the nature of the different parts of the welfare system, surveying social security, personal social services, and the treatment of the following key target groups: the aged; those with disabilities and handicaps; children and youth; disadvantaged families; the unemployed; and the sick and injured. Each chapter concludes with an assessment of the effectiveness of the system considered.

This set will be of interest to those studying international social welfare and development.