Enduring Austerity: The Uneven Geographies of the Post-Welfare State

by Julie MacLeavy

Overview

Looking at how austerity has become embedded in institutional practices, this book offers new critical insights into the uneven geographies created by austerity.

Reflecting on the spatially and socially uneven impacts of austerity on individuals and families, Julie MacLeavy shows how the ‘new normal’ of post-welfare state governance will negatively condition life chances, even in better economic times. She considers the political, economic and social developments that have led us to the present moment and shows how the rhetoric of austerity has pushed social inequality and uneven development off the political agenda.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529209341
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	05/01/2026
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	178
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

About the Author

Julie MacLeavy is Professor of Economic Geography at the University of Bristol.

Table of Contents

1. The Historical Roots of Austerity

2. The Austere State

3. The Spatial Dimensions of Austerity

4. Living and Working Under Austerity

5. Austerity, Social Mobility and Life Course Development

6. Ending or Never-Ending Austerity?

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Julie MacLeavy weaves together a powerful story of neoliberalism and austerity as they have played out in Britain, not as abstract theories, but through the lived experience of disadvantaged communities.” Allan Cochrane, The Open University

“Julie MacLeavy’s powerful and revelatory book shows that austerity was more than a cyclical episode, more even than an extended crisis, but a destructive and ongoing process of social and state transformation. It’s an incisive and important contribution.” Jamie Peck, University of British Columbia

Editorial Reviews

Julie MacLeavy’s powerful and revelatory book shows that austerity was more than a cyclical episode, more even than an extended crisis, but a destructive and ongoing process of social and state transformation. It’s an incisive and important contribution.” Jamie Peck, University of British Columbia

"If you want to understand the complexities of austerity, there is no better place than MacLeavy’s book. She ties together the political project to shrink the welfare state and the impacts of austerity for individuals, families, public sector workers and communities. Devastating." Mia Gray, University of Cambridge

“This book weaves together a powerful story of neoliberalism and austerity as they have played out in Britain, not as abstract theories, but through the lived experience of disadvantaged communities.” Allan Cochrane, The Open University

From the Publisher