Chapter 14 Flashcards
(16 cards)
- The communist regimes in Central-Eastern Europe collapsed in:
1989
The communist regimes in Central-Eastern Europe largely collapsed in 1989, marking the end of the Cold War era. This year saw a series of peaceful revolutions across the region, including the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany, which symbolized the end of communist rule in many countries, such as Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and East Germany.
Is the level of welfare state expenditure in post-communist countries lower or higher compared
to the other European countries?
The correct answer is Lower.
In general, the level of welfare state expenditure in post-communist countries tends to be lower compared to other European countries. After the collapse of communism, many of these countries transitioned to market economies and had to rebuild their welfare systems. They often spent less on social programs compared to Western European nations, which had more established welfare states by that time.
Compared to other Eastern European countries, one country has very short parental leave,
which is it?
The correct answer is The Czech Republic.
Compared to other Eastern European countries, the Czech Republic has relatively short parental leave. While many Eastern European countries offer generous parental leave policies, the Czech Republic has more limited duration for paid parental leave compared to countries like Bulgaria or Romania, which offer longer periods of support for parents
The communist regime in the Soviet Union collapsed in:
Choose one option.
1982
1989
1991
1998
The correct answer is 1991.
The communist regime in the Soviet Union officially collapsed in 1991. This marked the end of the Soviet Union, following a period of political instability, economic decline, and reforms such as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) under Mikhail Gorbachev. The collapse led to the independence of several former Soviet republics and the formation of the Russian Federation.
True or false? Before the communist regimes, the Central and East European countries were not
influenced by the Bismarckian model of social welfare policies.
Choose one option.
True
False
The correct answer is False.
Before the communist regimes, many Central and East European countries were indeed influenced by the Bismarckian model of social welfare policies. The Bismarckian system, which originated in Germany in the late 19th century, was based on contributory social insurance programs for workers, covering areas like healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits. Many countries in the region, such as Austria, Hungary, and Poland, adopted elements of this model before transitioning to communist-style welfare systems after World War II.
Which country had three different pension levels depending on profession (miners, chemistry and
heavy industries, remaining workers)?
Choose one option.
Bulgaria
Poland
Romania
Czechoslovakia
Thus, for example, in Czechoslovakia, the regime established three different pension levels depending on one’s profession, with miners getting the highest pensions, followed by workers in chemistry and heavy industry, with the remaining workers receiving the lowest pensions (Matějček 1973). In Poland in 1954 two occupational categories were created, with most workers in heavy industry belonging to the privileged group (including miners), as did state officials, military and the police. Much lower benefits were available to those outside of manufacturing, such as trade, transport and services (Inglot 2008: 153).
What type of welfare model is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe?
A hybrid model combining Bismarckian, neoliberal, and communist elements.
What was the initial focus of post-communist welfare policies?
Creating social safety nets and addressing unemployment.
What strategy did governments use to avoid protests after communism?
“Divide and pacify” – generous pensions/disability for weak groups.
What is meant by “neoliberalism by decay”?
Letting generous policies erode over time by not adjusting for inflation.
Which institution influenced pension reforms in the 1990s?
.
The World Bank, promoting a three-pillar pension system
Why have fathers in CEE countries rarely used parental leave?
Policies and cultural expectations discourage father participation.
What characterizes labour market policy in post-communist countries?
Low investment in active labour market policies and strict benefit conditions.
How did social assistance policies change in the 2000s?
They became more conditional, with lower replacement rates and workfare requirements.
Which countries are more ‘degenderizing’ in their family policies?
Slovenia and Lithuania – through better daycare and earnings-related leave.
Do post-communist welfare states effectively reduce inequality?
In some countries like Slovenia and Czechia, yes; others have weaker impact.
