Abstract
Despite its broad usage, universalism as a concept is not always clearly defined. In this article, a multidimensional definition of universalism in social policy is developed, based on four policy characteristics: inclusion, financing, provision, and the adequacy of benefits. In the empirical part of the article, the feasibility of this definition is tested by an analysis of recent changes in the Swedish welfare state, which is typically described as universal but has undergone substantive reforms since 1990. Four social policy areas are examined: pensions, social insurance, health care, and family policy. The results indicate that Swedish welfare policies retain their universalistic character in some dimensions but have become less universalistic in others. This demonstrates that a multidimensional approach is best suited to capture in full the nature and implications of welfare state reform.
Highlights
Universalism has long been a central concept in social policy research, both as a goal and a characterization of policy instruments
Universalism has been seen as a value both because it implies a higher level of social equity than selective or stratifying policies and because it has been shown to create a broader basis of popular support for public welfare programs
A fully universalist social program should (1) formally include all citizens on the same conditions, (2) be financed through public means only, (3) be managed by one actor only so that benefits are uniform, and (4) offer social benefits that are generous and of high quality, thereby making them relevant to all groups in society, including the better-off. While this definition is inspired by the Nordic experience with its extensive, publicly funded and administrated welfare systems, universalism should be understood as an ideal type concept, rather than an empirical generalization
Summary
Universalism has long been a central concept in social policy research, both as a goal and a characterization of policy instruments. Drawing on previous research on the nature of universalism in social insurance as well as social services, a comprehensive definition of universalism is presented that combines four analytical dimensions: inclusion, financing, provision, and benefits According to this definition, a fully universalist social program should (1) formally include all citizens on the same conditions, (2) be financed through public means only, (3) be managed by one actor only so that benefits are uniform, and (4) offer social benefits that are generous and of high quality, thereby making them relevant to all groups in society, including the better-off. The analysis of the Swedish case demonstrates the usefulness of a comprehensive, multidimensional definition of universalism as this provides for more nuanced discussion of the effects of social reforms and their implications for social equity
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