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Are dictatorships less redistributive? A comparative analysis of social spending in Europe, 1950-1980

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  • Sergio Espuelas

Abstract

Using new data on Spain and Portugal 1950-1980, this paper shows that non-democratic governments were less generous in providing social protection and also financed their meager social policy in a less redistributive way. This contradicts recent studies that hold that dictatorships have no significant effect on social policy. The analysis also reveals that, rather than provoking a 'race to the bottom' or an increase in social spending, globalization favored the adoption of tax-funded systems instead of systems based on compulsory social security contributions. Copyright , Oxford University Press.

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  • Sergio Espuelas, 2012. "Are dictatorships less redistributive? A comparative analysis of social spending in Europe, 1950-1980," European Review of Economic History, European Historical Economics Society, vol. 16(2), pages 211-232, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:ereveh:v:16:y:2012:i:2:p:211-232
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/ereh/her010
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    Cited by:

    1. Guillem Verd Llabrés, 2024. "The Rise and Fall of Family Allowances in Spain: Religious Cleavages, Political Regimes and Economic Constraints, 1926-1958," Documentos de Trabajo (DT-AEHE) 2405, Asociación Española de Historia Económica.
    2. Peter H. Lindert, 2017. "The Rise and Future of Progressive Redistribution," Commitment to Equity (CEQ) Working Paper Series 73, Tulane University, Department of Economics.
    3. Sergio Espuelas, 2015. "The inequality trap. A comparative analysis of social spending between 1880 and 1930," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 68(2), pages 683-706, May.
    4. Alexander F. McQuoid & Yi Ding & Cem Karayalcin, 2017. "Fiscal Federalism, Fiscal Reform, and Economic Growth in China," Departmental Working Papers 57, United States Naval Academy Department of Economics.

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