The dissertation studies the determinants of welfare services. The contribution of the dissertation is threefold. First, to show that there is neither theoretical nor empirical reason to suspect left-wing governments to be particularly keen to promote welfare services, although this in fact is the main argument of the literature. Second, to show that the common denominator of the politics of welfare services is that it generates protection against social risks stemming especially from the lifecycle. Third, to show how this main driver is mediated by the institutionalized interests related to the production mode in the individual policy sectors. It is argued that the institutionalization of interests is very different on welfare service areas compared to transfer programs, creating a distinct policy dynamic.

Udgivet oktober 2009

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