The welfare state is a complex system of social policies and programs designed to provide economic and social support to citizens. But what if this system is faced with political and societal...Show moreThe welfare state is a complex system of social policies and programs designed to provide economic and social support to citizens. But what if this system is faced with political and societal challenges? This thesis focuses on PRRPs positions regarding the welfare state. Therefore, this thesis sets out to answer the following question: What effect do exogenous shocks have on party positions of the populist radical right on welfare state policy? The thesis finds concludes that PRRPs are interested in the welfare state, but that exogenous shocks affect PRRPs stance on the welfare state differently, depending on the type of exogenous shock.Show less
This research project examines the influence of welfare state regime types on the ideological stances of political parties in regard to parliamentary debates on pension reforms in Germany and the...Show moreThis research project examines the influence of welfare state regime types on the ideological stances of political parties in regard to parliamentary debates on pension reforms in Germany and the UK. The influence of the Christian democratic welfare regime on German parties and of the neoliberal regime on UK parties is observed by analyzing the main pension reforms in both countries. Focusing on the parties SPD, CDU, Grüne, and FDP in Germany and Labour, Conservative, and Liberal parties in the UK, this study aims to decipher the influence of welfare state regime types and how they affect party ideology. Regime type influences varied to a fair degree. In Germany, parties presented varying policy ideals on solidarity, contribution schemes, and pension sustainability, with SPD and CDU emphasizing social justice and system sustainability. At the same time, FDP focused on individual responsibility, and Grüne expressed various forms of justice. Similar patterns emerged in the UK, where the Labour Party argued for social and gender equality, the Conservatives stressed economic self- reliance, and the Liberals highlighted the need to allow flexible pensions based on a diverse employment landscape. Despite some limitations, such as the exclusion of extensive parliamentary debates, this thesis underlines the importa0nce of understanding institutional influences to contextualize the parties’ policy decisions, providing valuable insights for comparative policy studies and future welfare state research in the field of pension reform.Show less
