Gender and the welfare state - New research on the origins and consequences of social policy regimes

Feminist research on the welfare state has improved our understanding of th e nature, origins, and consequences of social policy regimes. Efforts to ev aluate welfare states through the lens of gender have pinned down how socia l policy regimes affect men and women differently, usually to the disadvant age of women. The extent and nature of this disadvantage varies markedly ac ross OECD countries. Class relations, religion, and political institutions are three variables that help explain differences in the gender dimensions of welfare states. While gender should be a factor in any analysis of socia l policy, this research agenda is weakened by larger unresolved debates amo ng feminists over what forms of social policy best address the needs and pr eferences of women.