This is the first in a series of books on issues that are salient for politics and policy making today. The object of Policy and Politics in the Twenty-First Century is to give the reader a guide through a hotly debated policy issue of almost universal concern.The idea for the series came from Alison Shaw, Director of The Policy Press, after I approached her with my proposal for this book. I am grateful to her for all the support she has given to this venture and to the development of the series.

My case for yet another contribution on an already heavily debated topic was that much of the discussion of pensions policy is clouded by the advancement of special interests.This involves a market-dominated perspective on pensions, as first and foremost devices to secure savings from earnings to provide income replacements in old age. This leads to insufficient attention being paid to both the needs of older people and to the contributions they continue to make to society.An insidious, but widely accepted, interpretation of demographic change supplements that perspective by exaggerating the future burden older people will impose on society. Arguments from that viewpoint often misleadingly present the funding of pensions through the market as the only way to protect against this alleged problem.

The books in the Policy and Politics in theTwenty-First Century series provide the reader with a critique that moves beyond conventional approaches whilst being realistic about the political influences in play. Each book discusses the key concepts of the subject area, details the current policy models and key issues within their historical context and provides suggestions for future developments.These topical books are provocative, bringing into focus the worldwide characteristics of each policy area. They are written by distinguished leaders in the field in an accessible and approachable style.

PREFACE

Forthcoming titles include:

Education by Stephen J. Ball

Health by David J. Hunter

Sustainable development by Michael Cahill