The European Welfare State in Perspective

Abstract

The welfare state can be said to be a European invention, which has spread globally through a variety of forms or ”models.” The welfare state is about many things, but the values of social security and equality are at its core. How did the welfare state come about, and how have European welfare states developed? What are the major achievements of the European welfare state and what are its current challenges? These questions are briefly explored in this paper to support an assessment of likely futures for European welfare states. It is argued that the ”welfare state” not only provides social protection and access to crucial services such as medical care, but also facilitates the provision of what could be regarded as ”global public goods.” Limited social inequality may be one such global public good. It is argued that the strength and diffusion of this public good may hold increased importance for the maintenance of social and political stability both within and between nations.