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Public opinion towards workfare policies in Europe: Polarisation of attitudes in times of austerity?

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  • Christopher Buss

Abstract

Increasing wage inequality, strong labour market divides and welfare retrenchment are widely believed to result in more polarised public opinion towards the welfare state. The present study examined if attitudes towards workfare policies have become more polarised in Europe over recent decades. To achieve this aim, the study analysed public opinion data from the European Value Study (EVS) from 23 European countries in the years 1990–2008, using multi‐level regression analysis. It is found that individuals who are most affected by workfare – the unemployed, the poor and the young – most strongly oppose workfare concepts. Against expectations, there was no evidence of an increasing polarisation of attitudes in Europe. Attitudinal cleavages based on employment status, income and education have remained stable. Differences between age groups have even dissolved because younger cohorts increasingly favour strict workfare policies. The results suggest that warnings of increasing social conflicts and an erosion of solidarity in European societies are exaggerated.

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  • Christopher Buss, 2019. "Public opinion towards workfare policies in Europe: Polarisation of attitudes in times of austerity?," International Journal of Social Welfare, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(4), pages 431-441, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:injsow:v:28:y:2019:i:4:p:431-441
    DOI: 10.1111/ijsw.12368
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