Does Politics Still Matter? Reflecting on 30 Years of Comparative Welfare State Research

Abstract

Since Esping-Andersen proposed the welfare regime theory, research on welfare states has flourished in political economy and comparative politics. This paper reviews major studies from the past 30 years, tracing the evolution of political analysis and identifying contemporary challenges. The focus of political analysis on welfare states has shifted over time from structures to institutions to actors. Analyzing research on regime classification using OECD statistical data reveals that differences between welfare regimes have diminished, almost disappearing within EU countries. Furthermore, considering long-term changes, the influence of partisanship on welfare policies largely disappeared in the 1990s. While some studies argue that partisan conflict has evolved from a simple left-right divide to a multidimensional one incorporating socio-cultural cleavages, this claim has not been sufficiently tested in the context of welfare policy. Future challenges for welfare state research include expanding the geographical scope beyond advanced economies, assessing the impact of populist parties on welfare policies, and identifying the political factors that shape the inclusiveness of social investment policies.