The Swedish social policy model: past, present and the future prospect

Essay , 2008 , 9 Pages , Grade: 1,7

Sociology - Social System and Social Structure

In this ‚essay’ I will try to give answers to all questions dealing with the Swedish welfare state,
Swedish social policy model or the welfare state in general. Regarding to the course-precept it
is necessary to say that I will answer by treating every question on its own, what may creates a
different kind of ‘essay’.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• What is a welfare state? How does it differ from the definition of social policy?
• The welfare state represents a triumph of the social democratic left. Do you agree?
• Describe the main ideal-typical models of welfare state. Do typologies based on ideal-types have theoretical and empirical value?
• How does the Swedish welfare model differ from the other welfare state regimes (e.g. liberal, conservative corporist, Eastern European)?
• What are the main factors influencing the development of welfare state in different societies?
• Why is it possible to maintain "Swedish social policy model” in Sweden, but not in any other country? Describe the main features of the Swedish welfare state.
• Please explain historical, political and economic conditions under which the Swedish model has become possible to maintain.
• Fazit
• Literaturverzeichnis

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This essay aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Swedish welfare state, exploring its historical development, key features, and future prospects. It examines the concept of a welfare state, its distinction from social policy, and the role of social democracy in its emergence. The essay also analyzes different welfare state models and compares the Swedish model to other regimes. It investigates the factors influencing the development of welfare states and explores the reasons for the unique sustainability of the Swedish model.

• The definition and characteristics of a welfare state
• The role of social democracy in the development of the Swedish welfare state
• Different models of welfare states and their comparative analysis
• Factors influencing the development of welfare states
• The unique features and sustainability of the Swedish welfare model

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The essay begins by defining the concept of a welfare state and distinguishing it from social policy. It argues that the welfare state is more than just a collection of social programs, but rather a unique historical construction that redefines the role of the state. The essay then explores the role of social democracy in the development of the Swedish welfare state, highlighting the historical context of the post-WWII era and the social democrats' commitment to social reforms.

The essay then delves into the different models of welfare states, focusing on the conservative, liberal, and social-democratic models. It analyzes the key features of each model and discusses their theoretical and empirical value. The essay then compares the Swedish welfare model to other regimes, highlighting its unique features, such as universalism, a large public sector, policies directed towards gender equality, and corporatism.

The essay concludes by examining the factors influencing the development of welfare states in different societies, including unemployment, birth rates, egalitarianism, and government policies. It explores the reasons for the sustainability of the Swedish model, emphasizing its historical context, political stability, and strong social consensus.

Schlüsselwörter

The key terms and focus themes of the text include the Swedish welfare state, social policy, social democracy, welfare state models, universalism, corporatism, gender equality, and the sustainability of the Swedish model. The essay examines the historical development, key features, and future prospects of the Swedish welfare state, providing a comprehensive analysis of this unique and influential social policy model.

• College: Södertörn University
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Roman Behrens (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 9
• Catalog Number: V129800
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640366446
• ISBN (Book): 9783668146778
• Language: English
• Tags: Sweden, Germany, social policy, social, folkhemmet, model, Comparative, perspective, Gerhard Schröder, Angela Merkel, past, present, future