Discusses how and why gender has been so important in shaping modern welfare provision. Key issues covered include: relationship between poverty, health and gender; case studies of female reformers; birth control; women in Labour movement

Gender, Health and Welfare deals primarily with the century before the creation of the classic welfare state in Britain. It provides a stimulating introduction to an historical era which saw a huge expansion in welfare services, both state and voluntary, and during which women emerged as significant 'consumers' and 'providers' of various measures.

'An interesting collection of papers which deserves to be used for the interesting insight it offers into particular aspects of welfare history.' - Journal of Social Policy

'This is a very enjoyable and informative text for anyone interested in the historical emergence of the welfare state and the contemporary discourse on welfare contribution, provision and entitlement ... a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read.' - The Journal of Contemporary Health

'This is a useful and well-written collection which makes a forceful argument for the avoidance of stereotypes in welfare history.' - Economic History Review

'This volume has appeared at a strategic moment. By complicating our understanding of just how contradictory and contested the emergence of the 20th century welfare state was, the contributors allow us to look back at where we hae come from without undue nostalgia.' - Biosocial Science