Varieties of Austerity
By Heather Whiteside, Stephen McBride and Bryan Evans
Published
May 3, 2021Page count
260 pagesISBN
978-1529212242Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
May 3, 2021Page count
260 pagesISBN
978-1529212266Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
May 3, 2021Page count
260 pagesISBN
978-1529212266Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
Varieties of Austerity
In the media
On our blog: Austerity: what can we learn from the last crisis?
Austerity is not always one-size-fits-all; it can be a flexible, class-based strategy taking several forms depending on the political-economic forces and institutional characteristics present.
This important book identifies continuity and variety in crisis-driven austerity restructuring across Canada, Denmark, Ireland and Spain. In their analysis, the authors focus on several components of austerity, including fiscal and monetary policy, budget narratives, public sector reform, labor market flexibilization, and resistance. In so doing, they uncover how austerity can be categorized into different dynamic types, and expose the economic, social, and political implications of the varieties of austerity.
“Essential reading for those interested in understanding the nature and dynamics of austerity and the possibilities opening up for constructing alternatives capable of delivering a fair and sustainable society.” Sue Konzelmann, Birkbeck, University of London
“This book offers a skilful comparative analysis of the class character and the restructuring of the nation state that avoids national container traps.” Dieter Plehwe, Berlin Social Science Center (WZB)
Heather Whiteside is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo and Fellow at the Balsillie School of International Affairs.
Stephen McBride is Professor of Political Science and Canada Research Chair in Public Policy and Globalization at McMaster University.
Bryan Evans is Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University and is Director of the Centre for Policy Innovation and Public Engagement.
Introduction: Theoretical Framework and Empirics;
Political Economy of Debt and Finance;
Politics of Public Money;
Public Sector Restructuring;
Labour Market Flexibility and Restructuring;
Institutionalizing Precarity and Low Wage Work;
Resistance and Its Limits;
Conclusion.
