Social policy since 1979: a view from the USA

This chapter endorses the notion of a Labour sea change, which implies that prior to Thatcherism, things were very different. It describes some aspects of that difference, and emphasises the influence of the British welfare state upon American practice and thinking on social policy before 1979. This is followed by a study of unbroken Tory rule between 1979 and 1997. It then views New Labour from the standpoint of its representation of continuing Thatcherism. The chapter ends with a section of the future prospects for the welfare state in the United States and in Britain.