Social Foundations of Postindustrial Economies

by Gøsta Esping-Andersen

Gosta Esping-Andersen, Europe's leading analyst of the welfare state, presents a provocative examination of postindustrial economies at the end of the twentieth century. This book takes a second look at the driving forces of economic transformation in a more sociological and institutional way. As a result, what stands out is postindustrial diversity, not convergence.

Genres: Politics, Economics, Sociology

218 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Danique]

A surprisingly good book to follow that tries to explain why our social welfare regimes, created during the post-war decades, are failing. According to the author, the welfare state that is being maintained by the older generation that benefits most need to change to give women and youth a chance for welfare as well. He focuses on two issues that require attention.

One, an increase in women-friendly policies, namely child‐care services, incentives for mothers to work, and adequate income maintenance to take into account mothers' reduced labour supply and the cost of children.
Second, rethinking education, training and marketable skills to prevent people growing up who have no skills to market themselves with on the job market.

The book has of course much more to say about this topic in more detail. For me, this was the most important he wanted to make.