The author of this innovative study argues that key politicians and their policy ideas, through "ideational leadership", have played an important role in the passing of structural reforms in the change-resistant German welfare state. This argument is based on in-depth case studies of individual reforms in health care, pensions and unemployment insurance since the early 1990s as well as a concise analysis of recent changes in family policy. Stiller concludes that Germany, traditionally a Bismarckian welfare state, has embarked on a path of 'hybridisation' that confronts German politics with growing societal divisions. This thought-provoking title is highly recommended for policymakers, scholars and students interested in the past and future reforms of the German welfare state, leadership, and the role of ideas in policymaking.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
This is a first-rate book that lends great insights into the transformation of social policy in Germany. It uses an innovative theoretical approach that highlights the role of 'ideational leadership' in explaining institutional change, an important new concept in the literature. Vivien A. Schmidt, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration, Boston University
Reihe
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Produkt-Hinweis
Broschur/Paperback
Klebebindung
Maße
Höhe: 233 mm
Breite: 158 mm
Dicke: 20 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-90-8964-186-1 (9789089641861)
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Schweitzer Klassifikation
Sabina Stiller is assistant professor of comparative politics at the Department of Political Science of the Radboud University Nijmegen.
Acknowledgements, 1. Introduction, 2. Ideational Leadership: Key to Overcoming Welfare State Resistance to Change, 3. A Bird's-Eye View of the German Welfare State, 4. Transformation of Health Care Policy? The Legacy of Minister Seehofer, 5. Transforming Public Pensions: the Riester Pension Reform, 6. Transforming Unemployment Policy: The Hartz IV Reform, 7. Conclusion, List of Abbreviations, List of Interviewees, Notes, 20 Bibliography, Index
