Lower unemployment benefits and old-age pensions is a major setback in social policy

Abstract

The Swedish welfare state has been subject to a substantial re-organization in recent decades, not always recognized in the international literature. Almost every area of social policy have changed, often in the downward direction and with potential far-reaching consequences for the social sustainability of the Swedish welfare state. In this research note, I discuss significant changes to Swedish social policy and place the reorganization of the Swedish welfare state in an international perspective. Focus is on old-age pensions and unemployment benefits. Both areas are characterized by significant changes.

Keywords

• social policy
• cutbacks
• welfare state