This book examines child poverty in four welfare states: Australia, New Zealand, Finland and Sweden. The recent cost-of-living crisis and stagnation of wages has led to increased social exclusion of poorer families in high-income countries. Despite numerous policy efforts to eradicate child poverty in all four countries, many children continue to find themselves living in poverty. Utilising a multidisciplinary approach, this book analyses the ways in which poverty manifests in different countries, identifies which population groups are most at risk, and assesses the successes and failures of policies aimed at tackling child poverty. It will appeal to students and scholars of public policy, public administration and social policy, as well as policymakers and practitioners trying to tackle child poverty.

Lauri Mäkinen is Senior Researcher at the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela). His research focuses on poverty, child poverty, and poverty measurement, as well as broader social security studies.

Mia Tammelin is Associate Professor and Research Director at Tampere University, Finland. Her research focuses on wellbeing, poverty, family, work and employment, as well as comparative social policy.