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The Universal Welfare State: Theory and the Case of Sweden

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  • Andreas Bergh

Abstract

In the existing literature on welfare state typologies, the concept of the universal welfare state is not defined precisely enough to allow for comparisons of universality over time and between countries. In this paper, I discuss some problems with the way the term ‘the universal welfare state’ has been used and I suggest possible solutions. Among other things, I propose that the term ‘universality’ be used to describe the provision of a specific welfare benefit independently of individual income and/or other individual characteristics. It should also be used to describe the coverage of welfare benefits rather than their size. Based on the theoretical discussion, a number of possible indicators of universality are applied to the case of Sweden in the 1990s. The conclusion is that, despite its economic crisis, universality in Sweden did not decrease.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Bergh, 2004. "The Universal Welfare State: Theory and the Case of Sweden," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 52(4), pages 745-766, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:polstu:v:52:y:2004:i:4:p:745-766
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9248.2004.00506.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John D. Stephens, 1995. "Preserving the Social Democratic Welfare State," Nordic Journal of Political Economy, Nordic Journal of Political Economy, vol. 22, pages 143-161.
    2. Goodin, Robert E. & Grand, Julian Le, 1986. "Creeping Universalism in the Welfare State: Evidence from Australia," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(3), pages 255-274, July.
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    5. Karl Ove Moene & Michael Wallerstein, 2001. "Targeting and political support for welfare spending," Economics of Governance, Springer, vol. 2(1), pages 3-24, March.
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    7. Assar Lindbeck, 1997. "The Swedish Experiment," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 35(3), pages 1273-1319, September.
    8. Joakim Palme & Walter Korpi, 1998. "The Paradox of Redistribution and Strategies of Equality: Welfare State Institutions, Inequality and Poverty in the Western Countries," LIS Working papers 174, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    9. Bo Rothstein, 2001. "The Universal Welfare State As A Social Dilemma," Rationality and Society, , vol. 13(2), pages 213-233, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bergh, Andreas, 2006. "Explaining Welfare State Survival: The Role of Economic Freedom and Globalization," Ratio Working Papers 101, The Ratio Institute.
    2. Christian Bjørnskov & Gert Svendsen, 2013. "Does social trust determine the size of the welfare state? Evidence using historical identification," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 157(1), pages 269-286, October.
    3. Bodenstein, Thilo & Kemmerling, Achim, 2015. "A Paradox of Redistribution in International Aid? The Determinants of Poverty-Oriented Development Assistance," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 359-369.
    4. Peter H. Lindert, 2006. "The Welfare State Is the Wrong Target: A Reply to Bergh," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 3(2), pages 236-250, May.
    5. Sebastian Sirén, 2011. "Towards universalism? The obstructed process of healthcare reform in bolivia," Development Research Working Paper Series 12/2011, Institute for Advanced Development Studies.
    6. Thilo Bodenstein & Jörg Faust, 2017. "Who Cares? European Public Opinion on Foreign Aid and Political Conditionality," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(5), pages 955-973, September.
    7. Andreas Bergh, 2006. "Is the Swedish Welfare State A Free Lunch?," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 3(2), pages 210-235, May.

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