"The first book that gives us a balanced and sophisticated analysis of what social investment policies entail and how they have been implemented across the advanced world. It will become the authoritative reference on welfare state reform for years to come... a must-read for any serious social policy course." Gøsta Esping-Andersen, Professor of Sociology, Universitat Pompeu Fabra "An original contribution that sheds light on the recent and current reform dynamics of welfare states. This book will enrich the public and academic debate substantially by inviting us all to reflect on how to tackle the present economic crisis and the way ahead, while also opening salient avenues to guide future research." Ana M. Guilln, Professor of Sociology, Universidad de Oviedo "....of crucial relevance in this time of economic crisis." Ana M. Guillén, Professor of Sociology, University of Oviedo, Spain