"This book analyzes the impact of choice on welfare states in Europe. The recent focus on choice in many welfare states has created a more market-orientated approach, changed users to consumers, and increased the emphasis on private providers. By using a variety of methodologies and examples from different European countries and different sectors of the welfare state, the book examines the impact of these recent reforms on equality, not only from an economic perspective, but also in relation to gender and access to services. Theoretically and empirically informed, this book asks whether the shift towards more choice will ultimately benefit the users and providers of the welfare state, and have a positive impact on society as a whole"--