Analysis of social theory of international stratification and of the practice of classifying countries of the world in one of three groups, (1) developed countries of private enterprise economy, (2) countries of collective economy, and (3) developing countries - covers sociological aspects of economic development, political aspects, cultural factors (the last with particular reference to developing countries), etc.

Provides a stimulating and substantive intellectual history of social science and development theories, helping towards an understanding of development theory and development problems in the three worlds. Describes early, primarily European, theories on development and how they were enriched, challenged and transformed in response to Third World realities. It moves on to discuss how this body of theory, Marxist and non-Marxist, has become increasingly relevant for understanding structural development problems, which are occurring in the rich world, and the relationships between development theory and the mainstream social sciences.

Essay on the various factors, especially the political ideologies, shaping the development of the Third World and the resulting social and economic conditions of the proletariat.

Few discussions in modern social science have occupied as much attention as the changing nature of welfare states in western societies. Gosta Esping-Andersen, one of the most distinguished contributors to current debates on this issue, here provides a new analysis of the character and role of welfare states in the functioning of contemporary advanced western societies. Esping-Andersen distinguishes several major types of welfare state, connecting these with variations in the historical development of different western countries. Current economic processes, the author argues, such as those moving towards a post-industrial order, are not shaped by autonomous market forces but by the nature of states and state differences. Fully informed by comparative materials, this book will have great appeal to everyone working on issues of economic development and post-industrialism. Its audience will include students and academics in sociology, economics and politics.

Originally published: 1995. Paperback reissue, with a new preface by the author.