94 Book Reviews
SodaI Security PoIides in Industrial Countries: A Comparative Anaiys~ Margaret S
Gordon, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1988 (377pp, USS49,50, £32,50 (hbk),
ISBN 0 521 33311 3bk).
'I'his book pvvides a comprehensive analysis of social security policies in 28 industrial
countries, and focuses on developments since the Second World War. The author contends
that the social and economic consequences of World War ITnecessitated a reorientation of
social security policies. The attention of the readers is drawn to the proclamations of the
'Four Freedoms', the Atlantic Charter, the International Labour Organisation, and the
Beveridge Report, all of which in one way or another have helped to shape social security
policies in industrial countries. The author observes that the concern of many governments
~ the war Willi to extend coverage of social security to every citizen, and to ensure that
the benefits provided were adequate. The author, however, argues that the economic
problems of the 19708 and '80s, characterised by high rates of unemployment and inflation,
weakened many social security schemes and forced govemments to review their social
security policies. Such reviews often resulted in the withdrawal of some benefits and the
tightening of eligibility conditions.
A comparative analysis is made of the coverage of social security programmes,
eligibility criteria, type and adequacy of benefits, and the financing of pIQgrammes. Major
social security programmes (including old age, longterm invalidity, industrial injury and
employer pensions, IIlI well as unemployment compensation, health benefits, family
allowances and public assistance) are analysed in detail. Significant attention is also given
to the pattern of expenditure on social security. The author observes that there is great
variation in social security spending among industrial countries, but in general "countries
with the oldest social security programmes have been found to be the largest social security
spenders in several studies". The debate on flatrate benefits versus earnings-related benefits
is given sufficient coverage. An interesting note from the author is that, although earningsrelated
benefits do not serve the interests of the poor, flatrate benefits are not likely to be
introduced because of the "strong political support for earnings-related schemes".
The role of international linkages in shaping social security policies is explored, but the
author points out that instruments developed within the parameters of these linkages have
not necessarily been implemented. The author discusses linkages which are effected
through the IW, the Council of the European Economic Community, and bilateral
agreements, and also provides a useful framework for determining the extent to which social
security policies are sensitive to international linkages.
The author assumes that readers are familiar with the concept of social security, and
consequently does notprovide adetailedconceptualisation of social security. Those readers
who are not familiar with the subject may, therefore, find it difficllit fo follow the analysis.
Despite this limitation the book is written with great clarity and has thematic flow. The
analysis shows evidence of wide research and the book provides a detailed comparative
analysis of social security policies in industrial countries. Policy makers, social science
students and academics in both developing and developed countries will find this book a
useful addition to their reference material.
Reviewed by E Kaseke, Principal. School of Social Work, Harare.