Welfare, Populism and Welfare Chauvinism

Populist right-wing political parties have gained support due to the financial crisis and growing inequality. This book aims to answer why voters are not concerned about growing inequality and provide possible ways forward for welfare states.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2020
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The financial crisis has brought about a surprising surge of support for populist right-wing political parties, who often promote an anti-welfare message. In many countries, tougher approaches and welfare chauvinism are on the agenda, with policies that reduce the welfare state for those seen as undeserving and changes that often disproportionately benefit the rich. This has led to growing inequality, which many voters seem unconcerned about.

This book aims to answer the question of why voters are seemingly not concerned about growing inequality and to provide possible ways forward for welfare states. It uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews and case studies. The book explores the political, economic, and social factors that contribute to growing inequality and the ways in which welfare states can respond to these challenges.

One of the key findings of the book is that voters are often influenced by their own economic circumstances and by the perceived impact of government policies on their own lives. When people are struggling to make ends meet, they are more likely to support policies that reduce government spending and prioritize the needs of the wealthy. This can lead to policies that reduce the welfare state for those who are most in need, such as low-income workers, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Another factor that contributes to growing inequality is the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. This can lead to policies that benefit the rich at the expense of the middle and lower classes, such as tax cuts for the wealthy, deregulation of industries, and cuts to social programs. This can create a sense of unfairness and resentment among voters, who feel that their voices are not being heard by the government.

The book also highlights the importance of social mobility and social protection in reducing inequality. Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals to move up the social ladder through education, training, and hard work. Social protection, on the other hand, refers to the government's provision of safety nets and social services to help individuals cope with economic shocks and adversity.

The book suggests that welfare states can respond to these challenges by implementing policies that promote social mobility and social protection. This can include investing in education and training programs to help individuals improve their skills and move up the social ladder, providing universal healthcare and social security programs to protect individuals from economic shocks, and implementing progressive taxation policies to reduce income inequality.

In conclusion, the book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors that contribute to growing inequality and the ways in which welfare states can respond to these challenges. It suggests that voters are often influenced by their own economic circumstances and by the perceived impact of government policies on their own lives. By implementing policies that promote social mobility and social protection, welfare states can help reduce inequality and create a more equitable and prosperous society.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447350446