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Individualisation reversed: the cross-class politics of social regulation in the UK’s public/private pension mix

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Bridgen

    (Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK)

  • Traute Meyer

    (Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK)

Abstract

Since the turn of the century UK pension politics has been dominated by legislative and regulatory efforts to increase the state’s redistributive role in the pension system. Such developments are unexpected by the theoretical literature on welfare states. This predicts regulatory disputes in multi-pillar pension systems, but does not expect egalitarian reforms in liberal systems like the UK where organised labour is weak. We explain these reforms as a product of a temporary cross-class alliance, facilitated by a cohesive pension policy network, and formalised by an independent Pensions Commission. The consensus was possible because the public/private nature of the UK pension system politicised the non-state sphere, shaping the preferences of pension policy actors, and leading business to reach a compromise agreement with unions.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Bridgen & Traute Meyer, 2018. "Individualisation reversed: the cross-class politics of social regulation in the UK’s public/private pension mix," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 24(1), pages 25-41, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:24:y:2018:i:1:p:25-41
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258917746031
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Marsh & Martin Smith, 2000. "Understanding Policy Networks: towards a Dialectical Approach," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 48(1), pages 4-21, March.
    2. Blake, David, 2003. "Pension Schemes and Pension Funds in the United Kingdom," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199243532.
    3. Martin, Cathie Jo & Swank, Duane, 2004. "Does the Organization of Capital Matter? Employers and Active Labor Market Policy at the National and Firm Levels," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 98(4), pages 593-611, November.
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