This paper is about the relative impact of retirement and social class on individual attitudes towards welfare state policies in advanced industrial democracies. Which factor is more important in explaining individuals' social policy preferences: socio-economic background or retirement? How can...

Introduction -- The unexpected peacefulness of transitions -- Political quiescence despite conditions for conflict -- Preventing protests: divide and pacify as political strategy -- The great abnormal pensioner booms: strategic social policies in practice -- Peaceful pathways: the political...

Democratic Order, Autonomy and Accountability / Johan P. Olsen -- Accountability, Performance and Legitimacy in the Welfare State : If Accountability is the Answer, What was the Question? / Werner Jann -- Combining Agency and Stewardship : Welfare Reforms and Accountability / Thomas Schillemans...