Welfare reform in the Nordic countries in the 1990s: Using fuzzy-set theory to assess conformity to ideal types

This article uses a new method for policy analysis, fuzzy-set theory, which isa framework that allows for a precise operationalization of theoretical concepts. Fuzzy-set theory is used to assess the conformity of the Nordic c ountries to a pre-conceptualized ideal-typical Nordic welfare model. This p ermits trs to assess recent welfare reform and judge whether changes ave of a qualitative or quantitative nature, i.e. whether reform amounts to diffe rences in kind or degree. Comparing the development of benefits in kind and cash within three welfare areas (families, the unemployed and the elderly) during the 1990s and across the Nordic countries gives us an opportunity t o assess patterns of welfare reform. The patterns Of welfare reform are com plex, but fuzzy-set theory permits the study of diversity. Despite numerous changes, all the countries still belong to the Nordic welfare model, altho ugh to varying degrees. Generally, Finland and Sweden have implemented more cut-backs than Denmark and Norway, and all countries have both expanded an d contracted welfare programmes. Resilience at the National level thus mask s a differential development between welfare areas and within welfare progr ammes. Tentatively, it seems that welfare policies operate within upper and lower limits which in turn are likely to vary over long time periods and a mong different types of welfare states; the most generous programmes are li able to cutbacks and the least generous programmes to improvements.