Welfare: Brief Books about Big Ideas

Political scientist Carsten Jensen examines the Danish welfare model, which leads to high levels of happiness, education, and health, and argues that it is a success story due to equality and strong links between people and public institutions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 60 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2024
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

A comprehensive exploration of the successes and failures of welfare policies across nations

Political scientist Carsten Jensen delves into the Danish welfare model, renowned for its exceptional outcomes in terms of happiness, education, and health. He argues that this model represents a remarkable success story, fostering equality and strong connections between individuals and public institutions.

Jensen raises four central questions to examine the Danish welfare state:

Why do Danes support the welfare state?

What historical events and figures have contributed to the intimate relationship between the state and welfare?

How much welfare do Danes receive?

How has Denmark successfully combined welfare and wealth, and how sustainable is this model in the future?

In the book Welfare, Jensen offers a detailed analysis of the Danish welfare system, examining its historical roots, economic foundations, and social structures. He explores the factors that have shaped the Danish approach to social welfare, including the role of the labor market, social democratic politics, and the welfare state's commitment to equality and social inclusion.

Through his research, Jensen highlights the key characteristics that have contributed to the Danish welfare model's success. He emphasizes the importance of a strong social safety net, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and education systems that prioritize social mobility. He also discusses the role of public institutions, such as the government, social services, and labor unions, in fostering social cohesion and promoting well-being.

However, Jensen also acknowledges the challenges and limitations of the Danish welfare model. He notes that the system faces pressures due to an aging population, rising healthcare costs, and economic globalization. He explores the potential risks and trade-offs associated with the model, such as the potential for dependency and the potential for reduced incentives to work.

In addition to his analysis of the Danish welfare model, Jensen offers insights into other welfare systems around the world. He compares and contrasts different approaches to social welfare, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each. He also discusses the political and social factors that have influenced the development of welfare policies, including the influence of political ideology, economic interests, and public opinion.

Reflections, a series co-published with Denmark's Aarhus University Press, features 60-page reflections on key concepts by scholars from various disciplines. These books provide unique insights into a wide range of topics, offering exciting discoveries and new perspectives to readers.

Overall, Welfare offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the successes and failures of welfare policies across nations. Through his analysis of the Danish welfare model and its global counterparts, Jensen provides valuable insights into the factors that contribute to social welfare's success and challenges. The Reflections series, in collaboration with Aarhus University Press, adds depth and richness to the discussion, offering perspectives from scholars across different fields.

Weight: 70g
Dimension: 110 x 180 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421444741