Transformation of the welfare states after World War 2: the cases of Portugal and Denmark

Welfare States in the European Union have many different characteristics, including the role assigned to local government. In order to explain these institutional differences the authors discuss the concept of a welfare state regime (WSR), and suggest a taxonomy of four types of WSR. They also address the changes which have occurred in the different types of WSR over time, especially since 1975. Two case studies—Portugal and Denmark—were selected to document in detail the changes in WSR and especially in the role of local government.