Transformation of the welfare states after World War 2: the cases of Portugal and Denmark

Welfare States in the European Union have many different characteristics, i ncluding the role assigned to local government. In order to explain these i nstitutional differences the authors discuss the concept of a welfare state regime (WSR), and suggest a taxonomy of four types of WSR. They also addre ss the changes which have occurred in the different types of WSR over time, especially since 1975. Two case studies-Portugal and Denmark-were selected to document in detail the changes in WSR and especially in the role of loc al government.