Introduction

In the previous chapter we defined responsiveness as the degree of congruence between policy developments, socioeconomic developments and changes in values of citizens and relevant actors. An important element in this definition involves the level to which the institutions of the welfare state correspond with citizens’ opinions about the role and position of welfare states in modern economies. However, these opinions differ significantly over time and between nationalities. Figure 2.1 illustrates the dynamics of opinions on the welfare, based on an analysis of different opinions on social security. Although the data in this figure are outdated, it serves as a useful illustration of the dynamics in public opinions on the welfare state. If social policies are responsive, these ever-changing opinions may form an important impetus for change.

These fluctuations in citizens’ opinions contrast strongly with the idea of social policies as highly institutionalised and therefore almost immobile systems. Ultimately, the incapacity to respond to changing opinions in society, that is, lack of responsiveness, may lead to a loss of support for social policies. To refine the central question that was raised in the previous chapter, this chapter focuses on the issue of citizens’ general opinions on welfare states. It evolves around the question of whether a loss of support can be observed in the social policy domain. If declining support is observed, then – given the central theme of this book – the next question will be to what extent this can be attributed to a lack of responsiveness. If no decline in support is to be found, than there is hardly any need to worry about lack of responsiveness either. Or conversely, finding ways to improve responsiveness may also contribute to regaining support for the welfare state, if this might be needed.

With regard to the issue of welfare state support, two common opinions can be distinguished. Many will answer this question about whether there is decline in support for the welfare state in the affirmative: according to them, the welfare state is in crisis. While the population is supposed to still support the welfare state, the legitimacy of social policy has come under pressure due to the reforms of the 1980s and 1990s (Gelissen, 2000; Becker, 2005).