Moira Nelson

The introduction presents the 27 chapters of the Handbook on Welfare State Reform by international experts, organized in four parts that provide specific theoretical, methodological, policy-related, as well as reform trend-oriented angles. It begins with contributions providing theoretical lenses and policy paradigms central to the study of welfare state reform. The second part offers an overview of established and thriving methods with which to engage in the empirical study of welfare states comparatively, over time, and at different levels. The third part presents the reform context and trends in selected social policy areas. Finally, the fourth section discusses a diverse array of issues, from attitudes and electoral politics to policy ideas, redistributive politics, and the role of supranational (European Union) or international reform influences.