This book investigates the application and implications of quasi-markets within social policy. Julian Le Grand, a prominent economist and public policy expert, examines how market-like mechanisms can be introduced into public services without fully privatizing them. The work analyzes the theoretical underpinnings of quasi-markets, drawing on economic principles to explain their potential benefits and drawbacks in sectors such as healthcare, education, and social care. It presents a framework for understanding how these hybrid systems function and their impact on service provision and user outcomes.

This book is recognized as a foundational text in the study of quasi-markets within social policy. It is frequently cited for its rigorous economic analysis and its clear exposition of complex policy mechanisms. The work is considered essential reading for academics and policymakers interested in the intersection of market principles and public service delivery.