Why are some societies more unequal than others? How can we explain high levels of unemployment and soaring budget deficits? Why do women participate in the labour market in some countries, but largely stay at home in others? Why do health care and other public services differ in their quality across developed societies? The answers to these questions are all related to the welfare state.
The development of the modern welfare state has profoundly transformed societies in the 20th century. In the Western World, it has laid the foundation for peace and stability and helped to establish fundamental principles such as gender equality and social mobility. More recently, Asian and Latin American countries have embraced the concept and developed ambitious welfare state programmes.
Hence, all over the world welfare states fundamentally shape the functioning of societies. At the same time, they are subject to intense political conflict and exposed to multiple pressures for change. Understanding the roots of the modern welfare state as well as its effects and main challenges therefore is essential in learning about the future of societies. This is the knowledge we provide our students with.