The document discusses the changing context of welfare since the 1940s-1950s that shaped social policy. It outlines major demographic, economic, political, and technological shifts including an aging population, declining fertility rates, rising migration, unemployment, part-time employment, female participation in the workforce, a post-industrial knowledge economy, globalization, a hollowing out of the state, and increased technological change. It argues that these shifts have challenged assumptions about full employment and placed an emphasis on skills, flexibility, and competition that align with New Labour rhetoric focusing on work and self-reliance over benefits.

1. The Changing Context of Welfare Kevin Hall & John Hudson Department of Social Policy & Social Work, University of York

4. Demographic Change Source: ONS

5. Demographic Change Source: OECD

6. Demographic Change Source: ONS a Age demographic predictions – UK to 2050

7. Demographic Change Source: ONS

8. Demographic Change Source: ONS

9. Demographic Change Source: ONS

11. Labour Market Change Source: OECD

12. Labour Market Change Source: OECD

13. Labour Market Change Source: ONS

15. Economic Change Source: ONS

16. Economic Change

17. Economic Change Source: OECD

18. Economic Change