Overview

This analysis of the political and social forces that shape the well-being and quality of life of populations in developed capitalist countries is written by scholars based in several different countries.

Political Traditions and Their Impact

The book shows how the varying political traditions in the developed world - social democratic, Christian democratic, conservative, and liberal traditions - have affected populations' health and quality of life in the western democracies.

Policy Analysis

The contributors also analyze the public and social policies derived from each of these political traditions that have affected levels of social inequality (through changes in the welfare states and labor markets) and on health and quality of life.