Authors: Janet C. Gornick and Marcia K. Meyers
Publication: Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice. vol. 3, no. 1. pp. 31-57
Date: June 2001
Abstract:
Since 1980, the U.S. press has painted a vivid picture of widespread welfare state dismantling in Europe. Yet our analysis of social expenditures in 14 European countries from 1980–1995 finds a pattern of resilience and, with respect to family benefits, a pattern of expansion. Our review of qualitative research on policy reforms upholds the expenditure‐based findings. We conclude that U.S. media misrepresentation of social welfare developments in Europe is likely to impede “lesson‐drawing” from abroad by U.S. policymakers. This constitutes a lost opportunity, as the U.S. is now engaged in social policy reformulation, especially with respect to programs for families.
Link: Lesson‐Drawing in Family Policy: Media Reports and Empirical Evidence About European Developments (PDF)