Chapter 13 Flashcards
(19 cards)
- In which country was the Bismarckian model first introduced?
Germany.
The Bismarckian model was first introduced in Germany under Otto von Bismarck in the 1880s. It was a social insurance system based on compulsory contributions from workers and employers, covering healthcare, pensions, and accident insurance. This model influenced many other countries’ welfare systems.
- The early development of welfare systems in West Central Europe was developed by:
Conservatives and religious forces.
The political Left.
The mobilisation of workers.
The early development of welfare systems in West Central Europe was influenced by a combination of conservatives, religious forces, who saw social welfare as a way to maintain social stability, as well as the political Left and the mobilization of workers during the industrial era. Workers’ movements, particularly in response to poor working conditions, played a key role in pushing for social reforms, while the Left advocated for broader welfare policies. Additionally, conservative and religious forces supported welfare measures as a means of preventing social unrest and maintaining order.
The insurance-based model to protect the vast majority of the population was strongly
dependent on:
Choose one opt
Full (male) employment and stable family structures.
The insurance-based model of welfare, particularly in the Bismarckian system, relied heavily on full male employment and stable family structures. This system was based on the idea that workers, primarily male breadwinners, would contribute to social insurance programs through their employment, and families would be supported by these breadwinners. The stability of employment and family structures was crucial to the model’s sustainability.
The social protection systems in Western Europe focused on?
Choose one option.
Security and stability
Equality or emancipation
The correct answer is Security and stability.
The social protection systems in Western Europe have traditionally focused on providing security and stability for citizens, especially in times of need, such as during illness, unemployment, or old age. These systems are designed to ensure a basic standard of living and to reduce risks associated with social and economic vulnerabilities. While equality and emancipation are important aspects in some countries, the primary focus has historically been on providing financial security and social stability.
The early development of welfare systems in West Central Europe was developed by which two
groups?
Choose two options.
The mobilisation of workers
The political Left
Liberal and atheist forces
The correct answers are:
The mobilisation of workers
The political Left
The early development of welfare systems in West Central Europe was largely influenced by the mobilisation of workers and the political Left. Workers’ movements and the political Left pushed for reforms to improve living and working conditions, leading to the establishment of social welfare programs. These groups advocated for rights like pensions, healthcare, and unemployment insurance to protect workers and reduce inequality.
True or false?
Bismarck introduced compulsory sickness, work accident and old age insurance programmes.
Choose one option.
False
True
True
This is true. Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany in the late 19th century, introduced the first modern social insurance programs, including compulsory sickness insurance (1883), accident insurance (1884), and old age and disability insurance (1889). These programs laid the foundation for the welfare state in many other countries.
True or false?
In Bismarckian welfare systems, social rights are traditionally derived from contributions paid in
employment.
Choose one option.
True
False
True
This is true. In Bismarckian welfare systems, social rights are based on employment and are typically earned through contributions made by workers and employers. Benefits are tied to prior earnings and work history, distinguishing them from universal systems where rights are granted based on citizenship rather than contribution.
The early development of welfare systems in West Central Europe was developed by:
Choose one or more options.
All of the above
The political Left
Conservatives and religious forces.
The mobilisation of workers
All of the above
the early development of welfare systems in West Central Europe was shaped as much by conservative and religious forces as by the class-based mobilisation of workers and the success of the political Left.
What is another name for the Central European welfare model?
The Bismarckian model.
How are benefits typically funded in the Bismarckian model?
Through employer and employee contributions (payroll taxes).
What is the ‘equivalence principle’ in this model?
Benefits are proportional to the individual’s past earnings and contributions.
Why is the Bismarckian system described as ‘corporatist’?
Because it is co-managed by trade unions and employers (the social partners).
What social risks did the original Bismarckian model aim to protect against?
Sickness, work accidents, old age, and unemployment.
What caused problems for the Bismarckian model in the 1970s?
Deindustrialization, mass unemployment, and rising costs.
What is meant by ‘dualisation’ in the context of social protection?
A split between secure workers with strong benefits and precarious workers with weak or no entitlements.
How have governments tried to increase employment under this model?
By introducing flexible contracts and tightening eligibility for traditional benefits.
What are some recent reforms suggesting convergence with Nordic models?
Expanded family policies, activation measures, and tax-based financing.
What are the two future directions debated for the Bismarckian system?
Continued dualisation vs. transformation toward a more universal and service-based model.
