Few discussions in modern social science have occupied as much attention as the changing nature of welfare states in western societies. G?sta Esping-Andersen, one of the most distinguished contributors to current debates on this issue, here provides a new analysis of the character and role of welfare states in the functioning of contemporary advanced western societies.
Esping-Andersen distinguishes several major types of welfare state, connecting these with variations in the historical development of different western countries. Current economic processes, the author argues, such as those moving towards a post-industrial order, are not shaped by autonomous market forces but by the nature of states and state differences.
Fully informed by comparative materials, this book will have great appeal to everyone working on issues of economic development and post-industrialism. Its audience will include students and academics in sociology, economics and politics.

At the time of writing this book, G°sta Esping-Andersen was Professor at the European University Institute, Florence.

Foreword.

Introduction.

Part 1: The Three Welfare State Regimes.

1. The Three Political Economies of the Welfare State.

2. De-Commodification in Social Policy.

3. The Welfare State as a System of Stratification.

4. State and Market in the Formation of Pension Regimes.

5. Distribution Regimes in the Power Structure.

Part 2: The Three Employment Structures.

6. Welfare State and Labor Market Regimes.

7. Institutional Accommodation to Full Employment.

8. Three Post-Industrial Employment Trajectories.

Conclusion.

Bibliography.

Index