Taxation and Social Policy

This book explores the interactions between tax and social policies, addressing key debates and challenges for effective delivery. It brings together disparate debates in this emerging area of analysis, guiding readers through the development of policy options.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This comprehensive edited collection addresses a crucial gap in both tax and social policy literature, bringing together diverse perspectives on the interplay between these two domains. By examining the impact of taxation as a tool of social policy, the book sheds light on the mechanisms of redistribution and behavior change. It serves as a valuable guide for readers seeking to understand the key interactions between tax and social policies, as well as the central debates and challenges they present. The volume explores how analyses can be integrated and policy options formulated to enhance the effectiveness of delivery and impact in both areas.

The editors have assembled a diverse group of scholars from various disciplines, including economics, sociology, political science, and public policy, to contribute their expertise to this volume. Each chapter offers a thoughtful exploration of the complex relationship between tax and social policy, providing insights into the historical, economic, and political dimensions of this interplay.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of taxation in shaping social welfare systems. The editors argue that taxation plays a critical role in funding public services, such as healthcare, education, and social security, which are essential for promoting social equity and reducing poverty. However, the design and implementation of tax policies can have significant implications for social welfare outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as low-income families and individuals.

Another important aspect of the book is the debate over the distributional consequences of taxation. While taxation can be used to redistribute income and wealth, there are concerns about whether it may exacerbate income inequality and undermine social cohesion. The editors discuss various tax policies, such as progressive taxation, flat taxation, and VAT, and their impact on income distribution, wealth accumulation, and poverty reduction.

The book also examines the role of tax incentives and subsidies in shaping social behavior. Tax incentives and subsidies can be used to encourage certain behaviors, such as investment in renewable energy or the adoption of sustainable practices, while discouraging others, such as smoking or pollution. However, the effectiveness of these policies in achieving social objectives is a subject of ongoing debate, with some arguing that they may create unintended consequences or be inefficient in targeting the intended beneficiaries.

In addition to these themes, the book also addresses the challenges posed by globalization and technological change in the context of tax and social policy. The editors argue that these changes have led to increased complexity in the tax system and have created new challenges for social policy. They discuss the role of tax policy in promoting economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion, as well as the challenges of addressing income inequality and social exclusion in a globalized economy.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the complex relationship between tax and social policy. It is an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the dynamics of these two domains and developing effective policies to promote social welfare and economic growth.
The impact of taxation as an instrument of social policy is central in influencing redistribution and behaviour. This broad-based edited collection fills a significant gap in both literatures, bringing together disparate debates in this emerging area of analysis.

It guides readers through the key interactions of tax and social policies and the central debates and challenges posed by their effect on each other. It examines how analyses might be combined and policy options developed for more effective delivery and impact in both areas.

The editors have assembled a diverse group of scholars from various disciplines, including economics, sociology, political science, and public policy, to contribute their expertise to this volume. Each chapter offers a thoughtful exploration of the complex relationship between tax and social policy, providing insights into the historical, economic, and political dimensions of this interplay.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role. The editors argue that taxation plays a critical role. The editors argue that taxation plays a critical role in funding public services, such as healthcare, education, and social security, which are essential for promoting social equity and reducing poverty. However, the design and implementation of tax policies can have significant implications for social welfare outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as low-income families and individuals.

Another important aspect of the book is the debate over the distributional consequences of taxation. While taxation can be used to redistribute income and wealth, there are concerns about whether it may exacerbate income inequality and undermine social cohesion. The editors discuss various tax policies, such as progressive taxation, flat taxation, and VAT, and their impact on income distribution, wealth accumulation, and poverty reduction.

The book also examines the role of tax incentives and subsidies in shaping social behavior. Tax incentives and subsidies can be used to encourage certain behaviors, such as investment in renewable energy or the adoption of sustainable practices, while discouraging others, such as smoking or pollution. However, the effectiveness of these policies in achieving social objectives is a subject of ongoing debate, with some arguing that they may create unintended consequences or be inefficient in targeting the intended beneficiaries.

In addition to these themes, the book also addresses the challenges posed by globalization and technological change in the context of tax and social policy. The editors argue that these changes have led to increased complexity in the tax system and have created new challenges for social policy. They discuss the role of tax policy in promoting economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion, as well as the challenges of addressing income inequality and social exclusion in a globalized economy.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the complex relationship between tax and social policy. It is an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the dynamics of these two domains and developing effective policies to promote social welfare and economic growth.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447364184