Welfare State Classification: The Development of Central Eastern European Welfare
One CEE welfare type in the future?
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| 7.3 One CEE welfare type in the future? As said above, the conclusion of this study is that the welfare states of both Poland and Slovakia have developed into a hybrid system which combines elements of all of Esping-Andersen’s welfare types. An interesting question which needs to be addressed has to do with the fact whether or not all CEE welfare states are developing into the same direction. In other words, in the future can one observe a Central Eastern European welfare state which shares the same history and is developing in the same direction? Can one distinguish in a couple of years a post-communist welfare type? Based on the literature and rational thought one could state some arguments in favor of this development. First of all, international organizations and institutions tend to treat all countries the same since they have certain policy goals. Secondly, the organization of the communist welfare state shows a lot of similarities in most countries. Thirdly, most countries have faced high unemployment number and bad economic conditions. Last, former communist countries work together and share information; the Vizegrad countries are a clear example. However, when looking at the developments of the welfare states of Poland and Slovakia which have taken place in the period after the collapse of the communist regime and 2005 and the reasons behind these developments more importantly, one can conclude that most probably a specific post-communist welfare type will not be developed. The reforms of the four aspects of the welfare states which have been analyzed are mostly the result of political, economic and demographic circumstances. A good example is the development of policies concerning family benefits in Poland. These policies have been very inconsistent throughout the 46 years; Bismarckian and work-related benefits were replaced by universal and extensive benefits. Due to new political circumstances and increasing government expenditures these extensive benefits were replaced by more sober benefits. Also, when looking at the creation and development of labour-market and unemployment policies of both countries one can see that Poland a Slovakia choose a different direction. Poland choose to protect its workers, while Slovakia increased the flexibility of labour contracts. The above shows that most probably the welfare states of Central Eastern European countries will not develop towards one post-communist welfare type. Economic, political, and demographic circumstances in combination with ideological differences will lead to welfare states which combine elements of different welfare types. Of course, one can always see some similarities, this is the result of the common communist heritage. Some extensive benefits and arrangements are caused by the communist culture which is still present in these countries. Again, according to the results of this study one needs to conclude that a process of divergence is taking place. In spite of their common history and communist legacy, the welfare states of Poland and Slovakia seem to be developing into different directions. Time and future research will tell whether or not the conclusions of this research can be confirmed. Global economic circumstances and the development of international organizations and institutions will definitely have influence of the direction of CEE welfare states. Download 374.54 Kb. Share with your friends:
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