Economics
Welfare State Models and Their Political Legitimation
Quick fact
The term 'welfare state' was popularized in post-war Britain, but the most comprehensive welfare systems, like Sweden's, are often called social democratic and are based on universal benefits rather than means-tested ones.
Why this is interesting
Why do some countries provide universal childcare while others rely on private insurance? The answer lies not just in wealth but in different ideas about society, rights, and the state—these ideas form distinct welfare models.