This highly original and thought-provoking book examines the recent expansion of social protection in China, India, Brazil and South Africa – four countries experiencing rapid economic growth and social change.

Contents: PART I: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 1. Introduction David Piachaud 2. Social Protection in Countries Experiencing Rapid Economic Growth: Goals and Functions James Midgley PART II: CHINA 3. The Transition of Social Protection in China Kinglun Ngok 4. Current Approaches to Social Protection in China Yapeng Zhu 5. Future Trajectories for China Bingqin Li PART III: INDIA 6. Historical Developments and Goals of Social Protection Policies in India Ruth Kattumuri and Manju Singh 7. Social Protection in India: Current Approaches and Issues Rohit Mutatkar 8. Future Prospects of Social Protection in India Rohit Mutatkar PART IV: BRAZIL 9. The Brazilian Social Protection System: History and Present Configuration Maria Paula Gomes dos Santos 10. The Efficiency and Effectiveness of Social Protection Against Poverty and Inequality in Brazil Sergei Soares 11. Political Dimensions of Social Protection in Brazil Anthony Hall 12. The Future of Social Protection in Brazil Francesca Bastagli and Fabio Veras Soares PART V: SOUTH AFRICA 13. Social Protection in South Africa: History, Goals and Strategies Leila Patel 14. Current Approaches to Social Protection in the Republic of South Africa Letlhokwa George Mpedi 15. Social Protection in South Africa – Recent Achievements and Future Prospects John Kruger PART VI: CONCLUSION 16. Conclusion: Experiences, Issues and Future Possibilities David Piachaud and James Midgley Index

‘This book is essential reading for students of social policy, economics, development studies and public administration and will be a useful resource for policymakers and administrators who feel interested to improve social protection schemes.’