Chapter 2 Flashcards
(20 cards)
The development of the welfare state has been going on for several hundred years, but something
happened in the 1970s that slowed down the development. What was this?
The oil crisis
True or false?
Defining the term “welfare state” comes with a number of difficulties. The first and probably most
striking difficulty is the huge empirical diversity of welfare states.
Choose one option.
False
True
True
It is true that defining the term “welfare state” comes with several difficulties, and the first and most striking one is the huge empirical diversity among welfare states. Different countries implement welfare in varying ways, making a single, clear-cut definition challenging.
Q: Why is the term “welfare state” difficult to define?
“Because it’s used in different ways across subjects, has changed over time, and means different things in research and politics.”
Q: What are the four main approaches used to answer “What is a welfare state?” in the chapter?
A: Examining the concepts of welfare, state, the combination of both, and the historical development of welfare states.
Q: What is the German equivalent of the term “welfare state” and how does it differ?
So while both terms are similar, the German „Sozialstaat“ carries a stronger legal and philosophical foundation, staten har ett ansvar enligt lagen (Tysklands grundlag) att skapa ett rättvist samhälle
Q: According to Garland, why is “welfare state” a misnomer?
A: Because the state does more than welfare, welfare is also provided by non-state actors, and not all parts of the state are welfare-related.
Q: Why is the “new welfare state” concept relevant today?
A: It reflects shifts toward prevention, active labor policies, and adaptation to new risks.
Q: What does Pierson’s broader concept of retrenchment include?
A: Means-tested benefits, privatization, and changing benefit eligibility rules.
Q: What is retrenchment in welfare state theory?
A: Reduction in welfare provision, especially during periods of economic crisis.
Q: What is the main idea of the “social investment” approach to welfare?
A: Investing in human capital and promoting social inclusion through proactive policies.
Q: What are the two main theoretical traditions for explaining the rise of welfare states according to Flora and Heidenheimer?
A: Political sociology (Weber) and political economy (Marx).
Q: According to Briggs, what three goals does the welfare state aim to fulfill?
A: Guaranteeing minimum income, reducing insecurity, and ensuring equal access to services.
Q: How does Briggs (1961) define the welfare state?
A: As organized power used to guarantee income, reduce insecurity, and offer optimal social services.
Q: What was the historical predecessor to the modern welfare state in England?
A: The 1601 Poor Law under Queen Elizabeth I.
Q: When did modern welfare states begin to emerge?
A: In the late 19th century, influenced by nation-state formation and industrialization.
Q: What marked the “Golden Age” of welfare states?
A: Post-WWII expansion of welfare systems driven by economic growth, Cold War dynamics, and closed economies
Q: What are “old social risks” addressed by traditional welfare states?
A: Unemployment, old age, sickness, disability, and child-rearing.
Q: What were the effects of the 1973 oil crisis on welfare states?
A: It led to retrenchment and restructuring of welfare systems.
Q: Name three “new social risks” mentioned in the chapter.
A: Reconciling work and family life, single parenthood, and having obsolete skills.
Q: What is meant by “institutional drift” in welfare state contexts?
A: Gradual changes that occur when institutions fail to adapt to new challenges.
