MACMILLAN The Quest for a Divided Welfare State: Sweden in the Era of Privatization

This book deals with the quest for a divided welfare state in Sweden. The prime example is the rapid rise of private health insurance, which now constitutes a parallel system characterized by state subsidies for some and not for others. This functions as a kind of reverse means-testing, whereby primarily the upper classes get state support for new types of welfare consumption. Innovatively, Lapidus explains how such a parallel system requires not only direct and statutory state support but also indirect support, for example, from infrastructure built for the public health system. He goes on to examine how semi-private welfare funding is dependent on private provision and how the so-called 'hidden welfare state' gradually erodes the visible and former universal welfare state model, in direct contrast to its own stated goals.  Who benefits from privatized welfare? How are the privatization of delivery and the privatization of funding linked? How does this impact public willingness to pay tax? All of these questions and more are discussed in this accessible volume. Review “In The Quest for a Divided Welfare State, economic historian John Lapidus provides an expansive, well-researched examination … . The Quest for a Divided Welfare State is essential reading for scholars of the Sewdish welfare state and privatization. The book should also be of great interest to comparativists interested in how tax-subsidized private welfare programs have developed under the Swedish model.” (Daniel Thompson, Social Policy Administration, July 5, 2021) “In this book, he gives a fascinating analysis of the many problems that have arisen in the Swedish welfare state, particularly in connection with healthcare and private health insurance. Lapidus has written extensively on these topics, for both an academic and a wider audience. … In The Quest for a Divided Welfare State, Lapidus offers thorough insight into the general trend towards privatisation in Swedish social welfare.” (Titti Mattsson, European Journal of Health Law, Vol. 27, 2020) “Dr Lapidus has provided a useful update on Sweden – and a possible guide to the UK future.” (Nick Bosanquet, Ethnic and Racial Studies, February 12, 2020) From the Back Cover This book deals with the quest for a divided welfare state in Sweden. The prime example is the rapid rise of private health insurance, which now constitutes a parallel system characterized by state subsidies for some and not for others. This functions as a kind of reverse means-testing, whereby primarily the upper classes get state support for new types of welfare consumption. Innovatively, Lapidus explains how such a parallel system requires not only direct and statutory state support but also indirect support, for example, from infrastructure built for the public health system. He goes on to examine how semi-private welfare funding is dependent on private provision and how the so-called 'hidden welfare state' gradually erodes the visible and former universal welfare state model, in direct contrast to its own stated goals.  Who benefits from privatized welfare? How are the privatization of delivery and the privatization of funding linked? How does this impact public willingness to pay tax? All of these questions and more are discussed in this accessible volume. About the Author John Lapidus got his PhD in 2015 at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and since then has been involved in a research project funded by the Torsten Söderberg Foundation. Before his academic career, Lapidus was involved in international cooperation, including working as the head of a small Swedish NGO in Nicaragua between 2006 and 2008. He has written two novels about his experiences in Zimbabwe and Nicaragua, and also worked as a journalist for several years.