Can Germany still be Considered a Conservative Welfare State?

Abstract

Whereas most welfare states are commonly seen as having actively responded to socio-economic challenges, comparative welfare state research has characterised the German welfare state as having been largely resistant to change. If this were indeed the case, we would find the features of an ideal conservative welfare state still guiding German social policy today. High social spending and high social insurance contributions are said to impede economic expansion and employment growth. The many veto players within the political system are identified as the main causes for the policy impasse. Such a picture of stability would largely confirm the theory of path dependency.