Marie Michael Library

Title

The Debate on economic and social security in the late eighteenth century: lessons of a road not taken

Author

Rothschild, Emma

Description

The author revisits social policies developed by Adam Smith, who has been lauded by neo-liberal economists as the symbol of free trade and limited state power. Smith, in fact, believed fervently in improving the lot of the poor. He opposed income tax, in favour of progressive taxation on luxury goods, and inspired others to develop anti-poverty social programmes.

File No

UNRISD-DP64

Agency

UNRISD

Date

May-95

Subject(s)

Social Policy

Pages

20