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The welfare state over the very long run

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  • Pierson, Paul

Abstract

New data makes it possible to measure the evolution of social program generosity over the roughly three decades since the affluent democracies entered the era of austerity. Compared with plausible expectations derived from power resource theory, as well as prior historical experience, these data reveal a striking level of stability in benefits. This finding has important implications for the study of the welfare state; rather than focusing exclusively on accounting for variation in program outcomes over time and across countries, we need to consider why there is often relatively little variation to explain. At the same time, this relative stability at the level of programs co-exists with dramatic change in social context as well dramatic shifts in other aspects of the post-war social contract. The ramifications of programmatic stability can only be understood by situating it within these broader patterns of social transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Pierson, Paul, 2011. "The welfare state over the very long run," Working papers of the ZeS 02/2011, University of Bremen, Centre for Social Policy Research (ZeS).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zeswps:022011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas Leoni, 2016. "Social investment: A guiding principle for welfare state adjustment after the crisis?," Empirica, Springer;Austrian Institute for Economic Research;Austrian Economic Association, vol. 43(4), pages 831-858, November.
    2. Lehwess-Litzmann, René, 2022. "Frontline workers in education, health and welfare: how much do they earn in European countries? A comparative income analysis based on the EU-LFS," EconStor Preprints 268365, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    3. Candogan ORLU, 2019. "Basic Income: is it Applicable to Modern States?," Journal of Social Policy Conferences, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 0(76), pages 213-237, June.
    4. Obinger, Herbert & Starke, Peter, 2014. "Welfare state transformation: Convergence and the rise of the supply side model," TranState Working Papers 180, University of Bremen, Collaborative Research Center 597: Transformations of the State.
    5. Bea Cantillon, 2012. "GINI DP 52: Virtuous Cycles or Vicious Circles? The Need for an EU Agenda on Protection, Social Distribution and Investment," GINI Discussion Papers 52, AIAS, Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Labour Studies.
    6. Hemerijck, Anton, 2011. "21st Century Welfare Provision is more than the "social insurance state": A reply to Paul Pierson," Working papers of the ZeS 03/2011, University of Bremen, Centre for Social Policy Research (ZeS).
    7. Seil Oh, 2020. "Political Regimes, Path Dependence, and the South Korean Welfare State," Journal of Public Administration and Governance, Macrothink Institute, vol. 10(3), pages 188214-1882, December.

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