Economic geographical perspectives on dynamics of social policy

Abstract

The consequences of unequal socio-economic development pose a challenge for the provision of basic social security of billions of people and thus for social policy in almost all parts of the world. At the same time, social and economic developments at various spatial levels are determined by the existence and design of social policy programs. For this reason, we aim to build a bridge between research on dynamics of social policy on the one hand and economic-geographical research on spatial disparities and economically unequal relations on the other hand. Drawing on an interdependency-centered framework, the paper identifies starting points for a fruitful exchange of theories, concepts and methods between both strands. Adapting perspectives from comparative welfare state research to economic geography adds to better understanding mechanisms, patterns and causes in order to meet the challenges of unequal development.