Based on a symposium held at the London School of Economics in March 2010.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction / $r James Midgley and David Piachaud -- $g Part I: Overview -- $t The British Empire and world history: welfare imperialism and 'soft' power in the rise and fall of colonial rule / $r Joanna Lewis -- $t Imperialism, colonialism and social welfare / $r James Midgley -- $g Part II: Issues and country experiences -- $t The colonial legacy and social policy in the British Caribbean / $r John Harrison -- $t Race, inequality and social welfare: South Africa's imperial legacy / $r Leila Patel -- $t Caste, corporate disabilities and compensatory discrimination in India: colonial legacy and post-colonial paradox / $r N. Jayaram -- $t Colonial policy and social welfare: the Hong Kong experience / $r Kwong-leung Tang -- $t The Poor Laws, colonialism and social welfare: social assistance in Zimbabwe / $r Edwell Kaseke -- $t Fabianism, social policy and colonialism: the case of Tanzania / $r David Piachaud -- $t The British influence on social security policy: provident funds in Asia and Africa / $r Edwell Kaseke, James Midgley and David Piachaud -- $t Higher education in India: the legacy of colonialism / $r Ruth Kattumuri -- $t The British social policy legacy in Australia / $r Paul Smyth -- $g Part III: Conclusion -- $g Conclusion: $t interpreting the imperial legacy for social welfare / $r James Midgley and David Piachaud.