Contemporary Social‐Capitalist Welfare States and Gender Inequality

Abstract

Abstract Focusing on Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, this chapter initially presents an overview of the distinctive features of the social‐capitalist or conservative welfare state regime and their influence on gender relations. The authors go on to discuss how changing gender and family relations are putting pressure on this type of welfare state and the male breadwinner model. Similarities and differences in gender inequalities in the labour market, income maintenance programmes, and social services across the four countries are mapped out.