Advantages of a Universal and Generous Family Policy: The Case of Denmark

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

Since WWII Europeans have enjoyed a cumulative expansion of social citizenship rights. The sequencing of types of entitlement is the same everywhere, and family benefits are the last to be granted indicating a well-developed welfare society. Societies vary with respect to extension of family allowances, child and elderly care and tax policies towards families. The Scandinavian region is a for-runner because of a com-bined effort of generous universal transfers and services, which has led a family (or women) friendly wel-fare state. The result is a high female labor market participation rate since generous policies allow women both to be mothers and workers and have resulted in a relatively high absolute fertility rate of 1.9; up from 1.4 in 1983 when the expansion of social services for families took off. The family welfare package has also resulted in low child poverty. Unfortunately, Scandinavian experience is based on specific preconditions not found elsewhere, so policies cannot readily be copied.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftHealth care. Current reviews
Vol/bind4
Udgave nummer2
Antal sider5
ISSN2375-4273
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2016

ID: 162378078