This book examines the economic, social and political thought of two highly influential cross-disciplinary contributors to the debate in the United Kingdom about welfare economics, social welfare, nationalisation and public policy. Active between the 1880s and the 1930s, their many books, papers, lectures and speeches shaped the discourse on heterodox economics, social democracy and the managed economy. The Webbs sat on Royal Commissions, permeated local and central government, and were instrumental in the creation of the London School of Economics.
This book discusses and assesses their contribution to the broad topics of inequality, poverty, unemployment, freedom, capitalism, socialism, constitutional reform, social evolution and the historical school. Issues such as these remain at the forefront of contemporary discussions not just in Britain but throughout the world.

Utilises the private papers of Sidney and Beatrice Webb to draw insight into their working practices Covers to entire working life of Sidney and Beatrice Webb, including overlooked periods Presents the work of the Webbs within the boarder history of economic thought

Autorentext

David Reisman is Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Surrey, UK, and Senior Associate at the Centre for Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. The Webbs.- 3. The Economics of Deprivation.- 4. Unemployment.- 5. Cooperation.- 6. The Labour Factor.- 7. Decline and Fall.- 8. Communism.- 9. Rights and Duties.- 10. The Legacy of the Webbs.<p