Ideal Types in Comparative Social Policy

This book explores Max Weber's concept of ideal types, applying them to various social policy areas. It offers theoretical insights and practical frameworks relevant to scholars in multiple disciplines.

Ideal Types in Comparative Social Policy explores the concept of ideal types through the lens of Max Weber's theories. It provides readers with a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding ideal types and demonstrates their application across various social policy domains. The book emphasizes the significance of ideal types in analyzing and comparing welfare regimes, particularly in the context of the 21st century.

The text discusses the emergence of welfare regime analysis, highlighting two distinct approaches: real-typical and ideal-typical analyses. The latter approach is particularly focused on the creation, evolution, and practical use of ideal types in comparative social policy. By offering new theoretical insights and practical frameworks, the book illustrates how Weber’s methodology can be effectively utilized in diverse policy areas. These include welfare state comparisons, health and mental health policies, economic development, gender policy, employment, and education.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students engaged in various fields related to social policy, such as health policy, public policy, political economy, sociology, social work, gender studies, and social anthropology. By bridging theoretical concepts with real-world applications, it invites readers to consider the relevance of ideal types in understanding and addressing contemporary social issues.