Georgian Welfare State: Preliminary Study Based on Esping-Andersen’s Typology

Abstract

This study aims to examine the welfare state of Georgia according to the Esping-Andersen’s typology and justify the theory of “(in)stable welfare states”. This article analyses different aspects of wellbeing (pension and healthcare systems, labour-market policy and family benefits) in Georgia during the period of 1991-2013. The research showed the diversity of policies in different fields of social care. Results revealed that Georgian health and labour-market policy can be classified as a liberal, pension system – as a social-democratic and family benefits policy – as a conservative. Thus, the theory of (in)stable welfare state can be justified and Georgian state can be qualified as a country with a hybrid and instable social policy. However, further research is needed for the final confirmation (or falsification) of this theory after the current policy reforms started from 2013 are completely implemented.