Variations of the welfare state: Great Britain, Sweden, France and Germany between capitalism and socialism

In the burgeoning literature on welfare regimes and typologies, this comparative study offers a stimulating new perspective. Kaufmann, the doyen of the sociology of social policy in Germany, emphasizes norms, culture and history, in contrast to political economy approaches. Comparing Britain, Sweden, France and Germany, Kaufmann highlights the idiosyncrasy” of each welfare state: countries are compared with regard to their state traditions and the relationship between state and civil society; their national “social questions”; their economic systems, including the unions and labour law; social security and redistribution; and their personal social services and education. The socio-cultural approach enables Kaufmann to show that not all modern states are welfare states.Some are just capitalism“ (the USA), others are socialism“ (the former SovietUnion). In this light, the (essentially North-West European) welfare state isportrayed as a third way between capitalism and socialism. A theory-led study of social policy in six major countries. Combines sociology and history of the welfare state. An innovative (socio-cultural) approachto comparative welfare state research. INDICE: L. Leisering: Introduction. F.-X. Kaufmann: Variations of the Welfare State - Great Britain, France and Germany Between Capitalism and Socialism: Preliminary Methodological Remarks. Theoretical Foundations. Welfare State Development Between Capitalism and Socialism. Variations on the Welfare State Principle in Europe. And Germany?- Synoptic Concluding Remarks.

• ISBN: 978-3-642-22548-2
• Editorial: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 241
• Fecha Publicación: 30/11/2011
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés