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Globalization and the Welfare State: Four Hypotheses and Some Empirical Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Bowles

    (University of Northern British Columbia)

  • Barnet Wagman

    (University of Northern British Columbia)

Abstract

This paper examines some implications of the 'new globalism' for the welfare state. We examine four hypotheses about globalization and their implications for welfare state spending: the 'downward harmonization', 'upward convergence', 'convergence clubs' and 'globalization irrelevance' hypotheses. We provide evidence concerning these hypotheses by examining changes in the levels of welfare state spending for a subset of OECD countries. We find some evidence for a convergence of welfare state spending, not universally, but among countries with similar political institutions. Domestic political institutions, therefore, may affect the way in which countries respond to globalization pressures.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Bowles & Barnet Wagman, 1997. "Globalization and the Welfare State: Four Hypotheses and Some Empirical Evidence," Eastern Economic Journal, Eastern Economic Association, vol. 23(3), pages 317-336, Summer.
    • Handle: RePEc:eej:eeconj:v:23:y:1997:i:3:p:317-336
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    File URL: http://web.holycross.edu/RePEc/eej/Archive/Volume23/V23N3P317_336.pdf
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Gülsün Gürkan Yay & Tolga Aksoy, 2018. "Globalization and the welfare state," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 52(3), pages 1015-1040, May.
    2. repec:aia:aiaswp:wp47 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Yong Soo Park, 2005. "The Decline of the Welfare State?," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 8(2), pages 107-134, June.
    4. Javier Bilbao-Ubillos, 2021. "The Crisis of the European Social Model in the Adverse Environment of Globalization," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 53(3), pages 478-500, September.
    5. Iftikhar Lodhi, 2021. "Globalisation and public policy: bridging the disciplinary and epistemological boundaries [Which synthesis? Strategies of theoretical integration and the neorealist-neoliberal debate]," Policy and Society, Darryl S. Jarvis and M. Ramesh, vol. 40(4), pages 522-544.
    6. Hong Jong Lee & Yong Soo Park, 2004. "The Nation-State at the Crossroads," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 7(2), pages 213-247, September.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Globalism; Globalization;

    JEL classification:

    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs

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