Abstract Across many countries, increases in inequality driven by rising top incomes and wealth have not been accompanied growing popular concern. In fact, citizens unequal societies are less concerned than those more egalitarian societies. Understanding how the general public perceive richness is an essential step towards resolving this paradox. We discuss findings from focus group research Lo...

Abstract This chapter provides a brief overview of influential debates within welfare state research. It then discusses selected functions the that contribute to an understanding various effects social policies can have on individuals.