The science and politics of work disability prevention

The rising cost of illness and disability benefits is one of today’s biggest social and labor market challenges. The promise of activation-oriented work disability policies was labor-market engagement for all people, regardless of illness, injury or impairment. However, the reality has been more complex. This edited volume addresses social, political and economic contexts driving work disability policy reform in 13 countries. In this first attempt to explain the history and future of work disability policy, this pathbreaking book asks new questions about work disability policy design, focus, and effects. It details how work disability policies have evolved with jurisdictions, why these take their current shape, and where they are heading. The well-positioned authors draw on their insider knowledge and expertise in law, medicine, psychology, epidemiology and political and social sciences to provide detailed case studies of their jurisdictions. This volume will be of interest to social security system policy makers, scholars, and students in the health and social sciences.