MODELS OF SOCIAL POLICY

The Social Democratic and the Bismarckian (Conservative) Models of Social Policy

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the similarities and differences between true models of social policy, the social democratic versus the Bismarckian or conservative welfare regimes. In the course of writing this paper, various material will be researched and the models of specific countries like Germany and Sweden will be analyzed to judge the effectiveness, compare and contrast the regimes of their respective social policies.

Table of Contents

Introduction0

Description of Bismarckian or Conservative Welfare Regime0

Description of The Social Democratic Approach1

Family and Health Care Policies in Germany and Sweden2

Inequality and Poverty in Germany and Sweden3

Conclusions and Criticism of Welfare States4

References6

Appendix7

The Social Democratic and the Bismarckian (Conservative) Models of Social Policy

Introduction

The main objective of this research paper is to discuss the different social policies and compare the different models which are present in countries like Germany and Sweden. Nowadays, contemporary states are mainly concerned with the division of well-being. There is a challenge for all scientific theories about welfare states which lies in the explanation of how today's “modern welfare state has evolved and how it has achieved this level of intricacy. There was a time when states were more concerned with military and law affairs while keeping a strict check on their ranks and privileges. There have been different approaches towards explaining this evolvement; however, none have managed to fully explain this turnabout (Hassim &Razavi, 2006, pp 1-39).

Description of Bismarckian or Conservative Welfare Regime

The conservative approach towards social policy and welfare is mainly based upon stratification of class and social hierarchy. From its historical beginning, this approach indicates welfare and the decommodification of labour. Esping Anderson has identified the three ways by which conservative theory has developed to address commodification. The patronage of feudal systems and the societies in which they have foundations are now transferred to the corporate world (Esping-Anderson, 1990, pp 48-54).

Therefore, the concept of communal relief had been conventionally based around the landowner, which has risen above to the level of the state in the contemporary world. Moreover, corporatist welfare has its origins in the Catholic Church, which is founded on the notions of protection and relief which is considered as a reward of loyalty to the 'divine church.'

Description of The Social Democratic Approach

Such universalistic welfare states have been derived from the model of social democracy which governs all aspects of a citizen's life. The concept of social justice and rights has been more or less fully realized within this system, as the extension of benefits to individuals is not based upon an individual's reputation and work in the market, being entirely dependent upon their needs. Therefore, as the system is entirely geared towards providing such an advanced level of public services, the de facto states have consequently removed all the private competition.

Moreover, such systems experience a reduced level of differences in class and income, while maintaining excellent service, like in Sweden. Sweden is a state with reduced income and ...