Poverty and inequality in European welfare states

This chapter provides an analysis of what poverty and inequality look like in European welfare states, including the developments within the last 10-15 years. The analysis is carried out through a division of European Union countries into welfare regimes in order to make a comparison and analysis of whether there are differences and similarities depending on the type of welfare states. Explanations for the development are given. Under discussion is whether a pattern can be found in the development, for example, and whether it is change in public expenditure and/or taxes that provides the central explanation for the changes in poverty and inequality. Thus, emphasis is placed on whether a connection can be found with regard to political decisions alone or whether there are other explanations for the development, such as those related to change in the market and demography. It is concluded that the role of the welfare state is central to the understanding of poverty and inequality.