Welfare state transformation: convergence and the rise of the supply side model

"This paper describes welfare state transformation in OECD countries since the 1970s against the background of the post-war settlement. Relying on quantitative macro-data and qualitative information from the literature, we show that welfare states have con-verged, especially regarding various s...

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Main Authors: Obinger, Herbert, Starke, Peter
Institution:ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
Format: TEXT
Language:English
Published: Bremen 2014
Universität Bremen
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19110630124919388129-Welfare-state-transformation-c.htm
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author Obinger, Herbert
Starke, Peter
author_facet Obinger, Herbert
Starke, Peter
collection Library items
description "This paper describes welfare state transformation in OECD countries since the 1970s against the background of the post-war settlement. Relying on quantitative macro-data and qualitative information from the literature, we show that welfare states have con-verged, especially regarding various spending measures, and also to a certain extent in some qualitative policy-making patterns. What has emerged can best be described as the ‘supply-side welfare state’ model, and this overall orientation is reflected in many wel-fare state areas. We differ from earlier prognoses of a race to the bottom by generous welfare states and disagree with the view that a supply-side orientation equals ‘lean government’ in terms of social expenditure. But convergence implies that the space to maneuver has shrunk for policy-makers. The consequences of the 2008 financial crisis for welfare states are difficult to predict; short-term counter-cyclical measures in reac-tion to the crisis highlight the importance of protective buffers in highly integrated economies. Still, some countries have experienced harsh austerity measures since then, and thus the 2008 financial crisis may mark the end of the convergence period described here."
format TEXT
geographic OECD countries
id 19110630124919388129_f65d05df2a374aa2b78fb450066ab271
institution ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
is_hierarchy_id 19110630124919388129_f65d05df2a374aa2b78fb450066ab271
is_hierarchy_title Welfare state transformation: convergence and the rise of the supply side model
language English
physical 28 p.
Digital
publishDate 2014
publisher Bremen
Universität Bremen
spellingShingle Obinger, Herbert
Starke, Peter
economic recession
government policy
social expenditure
welfare state
Welfare state transformation: convergence and the rise of the supply side model
thumbnail https://www.labourline.org/Image_prev.jpg?Archive=109567992774
title Welfare state transformation: convergence and the rise of the supply side model
topic economic recession
government policy
social expenditure
welfare state
url https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19110630124919388129-Welfare-state-transformation-c.htm