How useful are feminist theories of the welfare state
Abstract Since the 1970s, a substantial literature on women and welfare has been published. Broadly speaking, this research has been heavily influenced by academics from the disciplines of sociology and social policy who are socialist feminists. However, whilst this socialist feminist work has been significant in exposing the gendered aspects of the welfare state, it is far from perfect. Potentially, historians have much to contribute in creating a more balanced picture of the complex process of the formation over time of welfare policies. So far, however, historians in their evaluation of gender and welfare, have seldom advanced beyond the 1930s.This article offers a critique of the socialist feminist analysis of women and welfare in Britain since 1945. It indicates the need, if feminist theories are to prove of worth, for a historical perspective which rigorously re-assesses the character of the Beveridge Report, and which carefully examines the ideas and interest groups which were at work in the genera...