The Right and the Welfare State

This book examines the welfare state policies of conservative and liberal governments, challenging the notion that they are merely skeptical of welfare. It explores diverse policy goals and voter priorities in depth.

The Right and the Welfare State examines the welfare state policies implemented by conservative and liberal governments, challenging the prevailing notion that these parties are merely the welfare-skeptical counterparts to the Left. The author presents a new theory that suggests this conventional wisdom is overly simplistic. Instead of viewing the Right's stance on welfare as binary—either supportive or opposed—the book argues that their policy objectives and the methods they employ are far more nuanced.

One key aspect of the book is its exploration of the distinction between labor market risks and life-course risks. This framework helps to clarify why voters aligned with the Right may prioritize certain social programs over others. The author posits that the diversity in welfare policies among Right-leaning governments is more complex than typically acknowledged, reflecting a range of voter concerns and political strategies.

Additionally, the book introduces concepts such as marketization via layering and erode and attack, which elucidate the unique reform approaches adopted by Right governments. By analyzing data on public opinion and policies from various Western democracies, alongside in-depth case studies from Australia, Denmark, and the UK, the author provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Right navigates welfare state issues. Ultimately, The Right and the Welfare State offers a fresh perspective on the political dynamics surrounding welfare policies, encouraging readers to reconsider their assumptions about the motivations and actions of conservative and liberal parties.