Varieties of crisis, varieties of austerity: social policy in challenging times

Abstract

In the period since 2008 it has become clear that the financial collapse and its ensuing crises have affected countries differently. However, a new ‘austerity consensus’ appears to have developed which is threatening the welfare gains established since the 1930s. By considering in comparative perspective the extent of austerity measures and the ways in which the normalisation of the ‘new age’ is being resisted, this article reflects on whether we are now facing the ‘end of history’ for welfare states given the widespread regression of social provision and the view that welfare states have become ‘unaffordable’.