Welfare State Classification: The Development of Central Eastern European Welfare
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| “To what extent do the welfare states of Poland and Slovakia fit into the classification scheme of Esping-Andersen and how does this affect Esping-Andersen’s theory of (in)stable welfare states?” The research question can be considered to be quite simple and unsophisticated. However, by answering this question one also answers more advanced questions, namely whether or not one can observe path-dependency or policy diffusion. At the same time, the discussion whether or not the classification scheme of Esping-Andersen can be used for most countries in the world can be enriched. Hence, if the welfare states of Poland and Slovakia fit into the classification scheme, Esping-Andersen was right. However, if this is not the case one can discuss the consequences. Last, but not least, the research question also implies a thorough analysis of the welfare states of Slovakia and Poland This research is build up as follows. Chapter two will consist of the theoretical framework and the definitions of concepts used in this research. The methodology used during this research will be discussed in chapter four. In this chapter the used research methods will be defended. In other words, the reasons why a certain method is chosen will be stated, but also the theoretical basis of the research methods will be discussed. Chapter five and six will consist of the data-analysis; in these chapter the data found will be discussed per country. Each aspect of the welfare state which is analyzed will be have its own paragraph. Chapter seven will have a concluding character; conclusions will be drawn and at the same time recommendations will be given. 5 |