27:1 issue contents - Universalism and the Welfare State

Article

Austerity has failed. And Covid-19 now presents us with the biggest challenge in 70 years. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the last crisis. We need a different approach – one that recognises the importance of a strong social contract and a state capable of upholding it.

This issue tackles some of the questions underlying the welfare debate: what would a stronger social contract look like? Is a more universalist approach desirable? And how do we build the political support to get there?

Contents

Related items

  1. Close-up Of Woman Sitting On Sofa Texting Message On Smartphone

    A better deal: Tackling the NEET crisis

    Around a million young people in the UK are now not in education, employment or training (NEET), the highest number for more than a decade.
  2. A diverse group of neighbours going on a group walk in a residential area, warpped up in warm coats

    From strangers to citizens: Membership and belonging in an age of migration

    Who should become a British citizen in an age of growing mobility and migration?
  3. The Scottish parliament building rises in the backdrop, foregrounded by a pond, trees and a lawn. Blue skies overhead

    Rebuilding Scotland's "New Politics": a constructive parliament to build trust in Scottish politics

    Political disillusionment is growing in Scotland, and policy is not delivering. MSPs who did not stand for re-election this year share how the parliament currently works and could be improved.