Ein Ausbau der persönlichen Vorsorge und der betrieblichen Sozialpolitik werden in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland häufig als Lösung zur Reduzierung der hohen Lohnnebenkosten und einer Entfesselung der wirtschaftlichen Dynamik betrachtet. Vielen Beobachtern dienen diesbezüglich die...

Comparative welfare state research has argued for some time that it makes a difference in regards to the specific welfare state design whether Social Democrats or Christian Democrats are in government. The theory is based on the fact that historically the social policy aims of Social Democrats...

Prior scholarship is sharply divided on how or if globalization influences welfare states. Globalization's effects may be positive causing expansion, negative triggering crisis and reduction, curvilinear contributing to convergence, or insignificant. We bring new evidence to bear on this crucial...

The 'parties matter theory' in welfare state research argues that it makes a differences whether liberal (conservative), christian - democratic or social - democratic parties are in power, since they pursue different social policies. Hence, we would expect specific policy changes after a change...