Importance of Christian and Social Democratic Movements in Welfare Politics

This book traces the reasons for the differences between Continental and Northern European welfare state developments by applying a selected case study approach. Three countries were looked at: Germany, Austria, and Sweden, because all have different political settings. In order to keep a sharp focus on the different causes for European welfare state development, the author traced it back to its roots (i.e. by focusing on the people, the movements and parties that implemented, developed, and changed the course in welfare states). To determine the importance of Christian democratic and social movements numerous historical phases were also studied.